Why Kenya wants its own snake antivenom

Why Kenya wants its own snake antivenom

Why Kenya wants its own snake antivenom

They noted that the limited availability of antivenoms suited to snake species found in East Africa poses a public health risk, pledging to support the institution through budgetary allocations.

Kenya is working towards developing its own antivenom tailored to snake species found in East Africa, with researchers at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research expecting the product to be ready by the end of 2026.

A parliamentary health committee has backed the project, pledging support for local scientific research aimed at improving snakebite treatment in Kenya and the wider region.

The Departmental Committee on Health expressed its support for the project during a budget oversight visit to Nairobi Enterprises Limited (NEL), which is partnering with the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) to develop the product.

Appearing before the Committee led by Seme MP James Nyikal, KIPRE Director General Dr Peter Mwethera said the research aims to provide a treatment that works against snake species found in the region, noting that some imported antivenoms may not be effective against local snakes.

“We are committed to conducting world-class biomedical research and fostering scientific innovation that improves the health and well-being of Kenyans and the region,” Mwethera said.

He told the legislators that the team expects to have the product ready by the end of 2026.

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Explaining the need for a locally developed treatment, Dr Mwethera said differences between snake species found in East Africa and those in other parts of the world can affect the effectiveness of imported antivenoms.

“The antivenom will be specific to the region. Right now, the antivenom we have is developed outside the continent, and sometimes it is not effective because the snakes found here are different. That is why we are working on our own product. We will no longer need people to come to hospital with dead snakes to get effective treatment,” he said.

The committee members praised KIPRE for supporting African-led scientific research and developing local solutions to public health challenges.

They noted that the limited availability of antivenoms suited to snake species found in East Africa poses a public health risk, pledging to support the institution through budgetary allocations.

“Kenyans are waiting for an effective and cost-effective antivenom. You can count on our support as a Committee as you come up with innovative scientific solutions to challenges facing the public,” Nyikal said.

According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya records more than 19,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in over 1,000 deaths.

The proposed antivenom is expected to improve treatment by targeting snake species found in the region, while advancing local research into solutions for health challenges affecting Kenya and its neighbours.