In Kenya, the development of a baby as young as 3 months is now part of the country’s national health picture. A new survey has asked whether babies and toddlers are reaching milestones in movement, language, thinking and social skills—not just whether they are growing and surviving.

The 2025-26 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey is the first national survey in Kenya to measure early development from 3 months of age. It offers an update between the country’s larger health surveys, which take place about every five years. The findings can help officials see where young children need more support, and how needs differ from one county to another.

Overall, 85% of children aged 3 to 23 months were on track in their development. Among children aged 24 to 59 months, the share was 83%. The survey used the World Health Organization’s Global Scales for Early Development tool for the younger age group. Older children were assessed using UNICEF’s Early Childhood Development Index 2030. Children whose mothers had more education were more likely to be on track.

But the national averages hide wide gaps between counties. For children aged 3 to 23 months, the share judged to be developing on track ranged from 52% in West Pokot to 97% in Kakamega. Dr Makeba Shiroya, National Programme Officer for Child and Adolescent Health at WHO Kenya, said the results can help county policymakers direct early-childhood support to places where it is most needed.

The report also shows improvement in several other health measures since 2022. The under-5 mortality rate fell from 41 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022 to 37. In 2025, 91% of births took place in a health facility, compared with 88% in 2022. The share of women who had at least four antenatal care visits during their most recent pregnancy rose from 66% to 72%.

Led by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health, the survey gathered information from a nationally representative sample of 29,935 households between 5 November 2025 and 10 February 2026. It is Kenya’s eighth demographic and health survey since 1989, but its first mini survey. Its evidence is intended to track progress on national health goals, the Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya’s Vision 2030.

Prof. Amina Abubakar of Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development said Kenya has long tracked child survival, immunization, height and weight. Adding development measures gives counties another way to plan nurturing care, early stimulation and parenting support. The survey was supported by Kenya’s government and partners, including UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA and UN Women, with technical assistance from ICF through the DHS Program.

At the survey’s launch in Nairobi on 3 November 2026, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said data should improve people’s lives. The county-level results now give officials a clearer starting point: identify where children are falling behind, then focus help where it can make the greatest difference.