Kenya set to develop first East African snake antivenom as 19,000 cases reported annually

Kenya is set to develop the first snake antivenom tailored to East African species, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) and Nairobi Enterprises Limited (NEL) in their collaboration.

The committee, which toured NEL on October 26, 2026, heard updates from NEL's Managing Director, Rajan Dhanani, and KIPRE Director-General Dr Peter Mwethera. The new antivenom aims to address limitations of imported antivenoms that may not effectively neutralize venom from regional snake species. Kenya reports over 19,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths, with survivors often facing long-term disabilities.

Snakebite envenoming is classified as a neglected tropical disease, highlighting the need for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures. The partnership between KIPRE and NEL began in August 2026 and is supported by the Ministry of Health. The committee pledged budgetary support during the oversight visit, signaling parliamentary backing for the initiative.

The government has also been working to strengthen Kenya's capacity for antivenom research and production, including the establishment of a government-led committee in May 2025. While the project's timeline and eventual availability remain uncertain, the progress could significantly improve antivenom therapy for patients in snakebite-prone areas.