On 15 April 2026, a rabies awareness campaign in Mathare, Nairobi, brought together Zuri Health and The Pet People. What we found was both expected—and deeply concerning. Rabies is entirely preventable, yet still claims an estimated 2,000 lives every year in Kenya.
On 15 April 2026, a rabies awareness campaign in Mathare, Nairobi, brought together two complementary forces—Zuri Health and The Pet People.
What we found was both expected—and deeply concerning.
Rabies is entirely preventable. Yet in Kenya, it still claims an estimated 2,000 lives every year, most often through dog bites and scratches. Despite national efforts, the reality on the ground tells a different story—especially in, low-income, high-density communities like Mathare.
A Disease We Know—But Don't Fully Understand
At first glance, awareness didn't seem like the problem.
More than two-thirds of the people we engaged had heard of rabies. But as conversations deepened, a different picture emerged. Many did not know that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Few understood what to do immediately after a bite. Misconceptions about how the disease spreads were common.
Awareness, it turned out, was shallow—and not translating into action.
Where People and Animals Live Closely, Risk Increases
Mathare reflects a reality seen across many urban settlements in Kenya: people and animals share space, daily life, and risk.
With an estimated 7.46 million free-roaming dogs across the country, and dog populations closely tied to human density, interactions are constant. Dogs provide companionship and security. Children play alongside them. Boundaries are blurred. This relationship is powerful—but it also creates the perfect conditions for rabies transmission.
What We Did—and What We Saw
During the campaign, we engaged children, youth, and adults attending the Zuri Health-led community medical camp. Through interactive sessions and simple, visual materials in both English and Kiswahili, we focused on practical knowledge:
- What rabies is and how it spreads
- Signs and symptoms in humans and animals
- What to do after a bite or scratch
- How to prevent infection
- Why humane and responsible animal care matters
Over 700 materials were distributed, and about 70% of participants were directly engaged.
But what stood out most wasn't just what people learned—it was how they responded. Children were curious and eager to engage. Adults asked practical questions: Where do we go after a bite? How do we protect our families? Some shared personal experiences with dog bites—reminders that this is not an abstract risk, but a lived one.
Demand Is There—But Services Are Not
One message came through clearly: people are ready—but the system isn't.
Nearly half of the participants asked about dog vaccination. Many wanted to know about neutering. And one question kept coming up: "When will you be back?"
This wasn't casual curiosity. It was a signal of unmet need. Communities are not just lacking information—they are lacking access to consistent, reliable services.
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between Zuri Health and The Pet People offers something different.
Zuri Health brings access to human healthcare through digital platforms and community outreach. The Pet People brings expertise in animal health, welfare, and behavior change at the grassroots level.
Together, they address both sides of the rabies equation:
- Prevention through animal health
- Response through human healthcare access
In settings like Mathare, where human and animal health are deeply connected, this integrated approach isn't just useful—it's necessary.
What Needs to Change
The Mathare experience reinforces a hard truth: one-off awareness campaigns are not enough.
If rabies is to be eliminated in Kenya, efforts must shift toward:
- Sustained community engagement, not sporadic outreach
- Integration of awareness with services, including vaccination and neutering
- Stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and community actors
- Use of digital tools to maintain follow-up and improve access to care