Waterborne disease and their causes.
Water is essential for life, yet for many Kenyans, it is also a source of disease and death. In recent times, Kenya has experienced outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, especially following heavy rains and floods. These outbreaks highlight the close connection between water quality, sanitation, and public health, and they raise serious questions about access to safe drinking water. Waterborne diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that contaminate water sources. Cholera, for example, is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which spreads through water contaminated with human waste. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi, while diarrhea can result from multiple pathogens such as E. coli and rotavirus. These organisms are invisible to the naked eye but can cause severe illness once ingested. In early 2025, the Kenyan Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak during the long rainy season. Cases were r...