By GPC Reporter
For families living in Kenya’s snakebite-prone counties, stepping out early to tend livestock, fetch water or work on the farm can sometimes become a race against an unseen danger.
A single encounter with a snake can change the course of a day — and, in some cases, a family’s life.
Also Read
About 19,000 Kenyans are affected by snakebites every year, with nearly 1,000 people losing their lives, according to data cited by the Ministry of Health.
The figures have brought renewed attention to the dangers facing communities in counties where snakebites are a recurring threat as Kenya marked World Snakebite Awareness Day on September 19.
According to Public Health and Sanitation Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni, the global burden is even more daunting, with an estimated 5.4 million people bitten by snakes annually and between 80,000 and 140,000 deaths reported worldwide.
This year’s national commemoration was held in Baringo, one of the counties carrying a heavy snakebite burden.
Data from the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) identifies Turkana and Baringo as the counties most affected by snakebites.
They are followed by Kitui, West Pokot, Tana River, Samburu, Kilifi and Narok.
Muthoni said Garissa, Wajir and Mandera are also among the counties affected by snakebites.
“The danger is not confined to the wilderness. Snakes can be encountered around homes, farms, grazing areas and paths used by residents going about their daily activities,” she said.
The Ministry of Health says it is taking measures to reduce the burden, including efforts to improve access to effective treatment.
Muthoni said Kenya, through KIPRE, is developing its first domestically produced antivenom using snake species found in the country.
The country is also establishing a national antivenom quality control laboratory to ensure that available antivenoms meet required standards and remain effective in treating snakebite victims.
“These measures are aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capacity to prevent deaths and complications arising from snakebites,” the ministry said.
Kenya will also use its position as co-chair of the Global Snakebite Taskforce to push for stronger action against the disease burden.
The campaign this year is being held under the theme “Know it. Respect it. Survive it.”
Communities living with the threat were urged to be at the forefront in preventing snakebites where possible, act correctly when one occurs and seek medical care as early as possible.
