Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre

*𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐈𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲, 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.*

Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE, through the Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre, in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, has been conducting snake awareness, identification, mapping, and safe handling activities. The initiative aims to identify endemic snakes of medical importance, map snakebite hotspots, promote conservation, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

As part of the engagement, the KSRIC-KIPRE team facilitated training sessions on snake awareness, safe snake handling, snakebite first aid, and preventive measures for KWS staff, community members, and learners and teachers from Buyangu Primary School. To mark the , participants also joined a tree-planting exercise, highlighting the connection between environmental conservation and the protection of natural snake habitats.

Through collaboration, we continue to strengthen snakebite prevention, conservation efforts, and community awareness while promoting coexistence between people and wildlife.

𝐊𝐒𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Last week, the Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre- Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE joined policymakers, scientists, One Health practitioners and public health partners in Mombasa for the inaugural Kenya Health Security Convention, hosted by the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) under the theme "Advancing Health Security through Science, Innovation and Equity."

Led by Dr. George Adinoh, the KSRIC team contributed to a session on Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, advocating for integrated, data-driven and climate-resilient approaches to NTD control. Miss. Cesyll Cess Wairimu spotlighted two priorities for snakebite envenoming (SBE): strengthening antivenom supply chains for equitable access at peripheral facilities and closing the surveillance and community-awareness gaps that fuel underreporting and care delays.

The team also showcased two poster presentations — Cesyll Cess Wairimu presenting on the long-term consequences among snakebite survivors in rural Kenya and validation of a functional limitations assessment tool and Tonny Onyango presenting on the gendered and intersectional dimensions of snakebite in pastoralist communities of Samburu County, Kenya, examining how labour patterns, cultural beliefs and structural inequities shape both risk and access to care.

SBE belongs in Kenya’s health security agenda, and KSRIC remains committed to ensuring it stays there.

K-SRIC is honoured to have been part of Kenya's renewed commitment to tackling snakebite envenoming at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi.

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤.

Our Deputy Director, Dr. George Omondi, represented Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre-Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE at a special meeting convened by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM, alongside researchers, industry partners and global health stakeholders including the World Health Organization.

Discussions centred on identifying barriers that prevent new snakebite treatments and diagnostics from reaching the communities that need them most. As an institution working at the intersection of research and frontline response, we look forward to the continued collaboration with partners advancing this agenda.

*New Publication Alert*

Why Antivenom Quality Control Matters

We are pleased to share our latest publication presenting an independent preclinical evaluation of 🐍 antivenoms marketed in Kenya over the past six years.

Antivenom is the only specific treatment for snakebite envenoming. Yet, across many parts of Africa, antivenoms have entered markets without consistent and independent quality control testing. When ineffective products are used, patients may not improve despite reaching hospital. Where treatment appears unreliable, people delay or avoid seeking care and may instead turn to alternative pathways, often with devastating health and socioeconomic consequences.

In this study, we conducted an independent preclinical evaluation of four antivenoms that were marketed or are currently marketed in Kenya, within the last six years. We assessed their efficacy using established _in vitro_ and _in vivo_ assays towards establishing a National Antivenom Quality Control Laboratory. Our study revealed preclinical potential and deficiencies of the antivenoms in neutralizing lethal effects of venoms from the “big five” snake species in Kenya, highlighting variations in antivenom efficacy within the region.

Our findings reinforce the urgent need for rigorous and continuous quality control of new antivenom formulations and production batches, and support the establishment of a regional or National Antivenom Quality Control Centre, towards reducing snakebite related morbidity and mortality.

Read the full publication here:

Establishing the Kenya National Antivenom Quality Control Laboratory: Preclinical Efficacy Results of Four Antivenoms Against Venoms from the “Big Five” Snake Species in Kenya Antivenom administration is currently the only therapy for snakebite envenoming. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, inadequate quality control systems have led to deficits in the availability, accessibility, efficacy and safety of regionally available antivenoms, which, in turn, hinder snakebite treatm...

Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE The Ministry of Health through Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre conducted a focused training on snakebite diagnosis, management and rehabilitation for healthcare workers from different level facilities in Mwatate Subcounty, Taita Taveta County. The session emphasized early recognition of envenoming, timely use of antivenom, management of complications, and appropriate patient-support systems during recovery and follow-up care.

The training was opened by the County Chief Officer for Health, who appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of strengthening skills among frontline health workers, especially in areas where snakebite cases are common. She noted that improving knowledge and facility readiness will help reduce delays in treatment and prevent avoidable deaths and disabilities.

The discussions were practical and case-based, allowing participants to share real experiences from their facilities and align on standard treatment approaches and referral pathways. The activity forms part of ongoing efforts to map snakebite hotspots and improve snakebite care and response in Taita Taveta County.

The Taita Taveta County Government
State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards

Kenya today joined the global community in commemorating , with national activities convened by The Ministry of Health in Kajiado County.

Marked under the theme “𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞. 𝐀𝐜𝐭. 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞", the event brought together national and international partners, including World Health Organization (WHO), The END Fund, AIHD Kenya, Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE and others, to reaffirm collective action against neglected tropical diseases.

Through the Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre, KIPRE engaged communities through demonstrations of snakes of medical importance, promoting snakebite prevention and early health-seeking at health facilities, following a snakebite.

As Kenya marks , stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating NTDs and ensuring no community is left behind.

Last week, Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre (KSRIC) was thrilled to conduct a 2-day Statistical Essentials for Health Data Science workshop, hosted at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE.

The workshop focused on strengthening foundational skills in biomedical research and data analysis, equipping both internal and external researchers, scientists and students with practical tools to enhance the quality and impact of their work. Building data literacy is essential for generating reliable evidence that can guide health decisions, inform policy and improve outcomes across the region.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Prof Dileepa Ediriweera for delivering the insightful session and to all the dedicated participants whose active engagement made the discussions impactful towards advancing health research capacity.

Kenya now has its first detailed map of snakebite incidence thanks to a nationwide survey led by the Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE -Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM. By embedding snakebite questions into NTD mass drug administration campaigns, the team reached more than 13 million people across 17 counties, a third of Kenya's population.
The Ministry of Health
State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards
Kenya National Public Health Institute



Read more :

National survey reveals first detailed map of snakebite incidence in Kenya Researchers Dr George Oluoch from the Kenyan Institute of Primate Research (KIPR) and Professor Ymkje Stienstra from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), both members of the African Snakebite Alliance (ASA), embedded snakebite questions into ongoing mass drug administration programmes for n...

Ahead of the 3rd Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run scheduled for 6th December 2025 in Uasin Gishu County, The Ministry of Health State Department for Medical Services, in partnership with the Uasin Gishu County Government, today convened the Chepsaita Marathon Medical Camp. This event brought together a wide network of health partners, community members and county leadership, creating a strong platform to promote community health, expand access to essential medical services and strengthen preparedness for health emergencies.

The event was honored by the presence of Faruk Kibet, His Excellency the President’s aide, the PS for Medical Services (represented by Dr. Andrew Toro), H.E. Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, and several regional MCAs.

As Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE through Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre, we were proud to play a central role by providing technical expertise and biomedical research support in areas of public health and disease surveillance. Additionally, our team showcased snakes of medical importance found in the region, educated community members on snakebite prevention and control and engaged Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on effective first aid and referral pathways for snakebite emergencies.
The medical camp featured a wide range of essential health services delivered by MoH and other partners, including Social Health Authoriy (SHA), Huduma Centre, Mathari Hospital, Kenya Blood Banking Management System Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital, Lion’s Sight First Eye among others. This collective effort provided a powerful boost of collaboration and sets the pace as we sprint toward race day and a healthier, more resilient community.