Kenya on Tuesday reported 349 new COVID-19 infections from a sample size of 4,208 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the country's total number of cases to 171,084.

According to figures released by the health ministry, 16 news deaths were also recorded, bringing the country's death toll to 3,188.

The East African country is bracing itself for another possible spike in infections.

Last week, health minister Mutahi Kagwe warned of a possible fourth wave of the virus, which he said would be deadlier because the dominant variant expected will be the one first detected in India.

The Kenyan government has imposed various measures in efforts to contain the pandemic, including a nationwide nighttime curfew, a ban on large public gatherings and the mandatory wearing of face coverings.

In addition, a nationwide vaccination exercise is underway, with priority given to healthcare workers, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.

By Tuesday, the number of vaccines administered had surpassed the 969,000 mark.