In West Pokot, northwestern Kenya, visceral leishmaniasis is endemic among pastoralist communities. While the exact prevalence is unknown, estimates suggest up to 10% of over 600,000 people may be affected. Alarmingly, cases are emerging in previously unaffected areas, possibly due to climate change or migration patterns. A neighbouring Ugandan district reported that 15% of new infections were asymptomatic, indicating that symptom-based surveillance may result in underreported cases.

This study aims to estimate visceral leishmaniasis burden in West Pokot, identify local risk factors, and assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with the disease in the pastoralist community of West Pokot. The study targets approximately 1,000 participants drawn from 300 households in the county, segmented according to the county’s administrative units (North Pokot, Central Pokot, and West Pokot) through local health departments. Using a concurrent mixed methods approach with both quantitative and qualitative methods, the findings will inform targeted interventions and support disease elimination efforts in the county.