A report by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) has revealed that nine counties in Kenya have recorded an increase in HIV infections.
The HIV prevalence has surged most in the Nyanza region with increased cases also reported in the coastal region and arid and semi-arid lands (Asals).
All counties in Nyanza experienced an increase in HIV prevalence except Nyamira County.
Homa Bay County was the most affected after registering a 15.2 per cent increase closely followed by Kisumu which had a 14.5 per cent increase.
Other counties in Nyanza that recorded an increase include; Siaya (13.2 per cent), Migori (9.7 per cent) and Kisii (4.4 per cent).
Speaking on the sudden surge of infections in the Nyanza region, NSDCC programme officer Douglas Bosire noted that it was fuelled by culture.
NSDCC reported that infections in the coastal region were increasing led by Mombasa which had a 4.6 per cent increase.
Samburu recorded a 4.3 per cent increase in new infections which was largely attributed to the low embracing of modern medicine.
The numbers in ASAL regions could be higher than reported since many people fear going for testing due to associated stigma.
Vihiga and Uasin Gishu Counties also recorded an increase of 4.2 and 3.7 per cent respectively.
The country is lagging behind in eliminating HIV infections by 2027 since most new infections are from the young population.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, 61 per cent of all new infections are young Kenyans aged 29 years and below.
