Snakebites still a major public health concern in Kenya

Howard Atubwa, a Research Fellow in the Herpetology section at the National Museum of Kenya, during the 8th National Science Expo 2025, held at the Museum Hill, Nairobi, on June 24, 2025. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard]

A group of people mill around a stall as Howard Atubwa, Research Fellow in Herpetology section, at the National Museum of Kenya (NMK), engages them in discussion on snakebite prevention.

Some people cringe when he touches a large puff adder sculpture on the table.

“In Kenya, snakebites are a significant public health problem. Many people are bitten by venomous snakes, resulting in deaths, amputations, paralysis and in some cases, lifelong trauma or even stigma,” Atubwa explains.

Throughout the engagement, the stall transforms into an information hub-a space for dialogue, where fear is challenged with knowledge and myths are replaced with science.

The researcher explains, “We are raising awareness and educating people on how to prevent snakebites, and also teach them the proper first aid steps to take in the event they are bitten-before reaching a health facility.”

He spoke at the 8th National Science Expo 2025, held at the National Museums of Kenya, Museum Hill, Nairobi. The event’s theme, ‘Economic Transformation Through Heritage Conservation.’

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises snakebites as a neglected tropical disease and has committed to halving snakebite deaths and disability by 2030.

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Hesborn Nyambati, a snake expert at NMK, says snakebites in Kenya are estimated to exceed 25,000 annually, although most cases go unreported, making it hard to determine the exact number.

On average, more than 4000 people die from snakebites every year in Kenya, while 7000 others suffer from paralysis or other serious health complications.

In Africa, WHO estimates 435 000 to 580 000 snake bites annually that need treatment.

Globally, 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes each year, with 1.8 to 2.7 million cases resulting in envenoming.

And, around 81 410 to 137 880 people die each year because of snake bites, and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities are caused by snakebites annually.

“Bites by venomous snakes can cause paralysis that may prevent breathing, bleeding disorders that can lead to a fatal haemorrhage, irreversible kidney failure and tissue damage that can cause permanent disability and limb amputation,” WHO warns.

Despite the dangers posed by snakes, Atubwa stresses they should not kill snakes since they play key role in our ecosystem. They help control pests, balance populations and contribute to maintaining healthy environments.

He explains, Kenya has 143 species of snakes. But, 75 per cent of these are harmless to humans. “They are mildly venomous, that they primarily use to subdue their prey. In most cases, the human body can tolerate it,” he says.

Despite the education efforts at the expo, Roseline Mule from Mwingi still fears snakes, recounting an incident from three years ago when a neighbour lost a child to a snakebite.

“The boy, about five years old had followed his elder siblings to the farm when the snake bit him,” she explains. She poses, “Even when they tell us that some snakes are harmless, how are we supposed to identify which are, and which are not?”

Roseline says, she’s also heard of several snakebites cases in the area.

As people destroy forests due to logging and agricultural expansion, combined with increasingly unpredictable climate patterns, more snakes are now moving into areas where they previously never existed, including residential homes, as they search for water and food. This, can easily result in snakebites.

Snakes also seek shelter in homes when it becomes too hot outside, after their habitats are destroyed.

Atubwa notes change in snake distribution across the country. For example, brown spitting cobra not commonly found in Nanyuki before, but now there are records showing their presence in the region. Also, snakes were rare in Nairobi, but today, they are increasingly found, even in residential estates.

Puff adder is responsible for a large number of snakebites across Africa, largely because it is widespread-you can find it in almost every region of the continent.

They are nocturnal and typically come out to hunt between 6pm and 10pm. To be safe, experts advise using spotlight and wearing closed shoes when walking outside.

According to WHO, agricultural workers and children are among the most affected. Children often suffer more severe effects than adults, due to their smaller body mass.

Snakebites affect both domestic and wild animals, sometimes resulting to severe injury or even death.

The Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre (KSRIC) advises key precautions to avoid snakebites, among them people should never try to kill or handle a snake, wear closed shoes, control vegetation around your home, keep the compound clean and tidy.

Additionally, avoid putting hands into holes, use raised beds and mosquito nets when sleeping and, keep water source, poultry and other farm animals a safe distance from house.

And, in case of a snakebite, the institution recommends keeping the victim still and calm as possible, to slow down the spread of venom and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Atubwa cautions against tying the bitten area, “This can cause the venom to concentrate at the place, leading to severe cell and tissue damage. If there is delay in reaching a healthy facility, it might result in amputation.”

Snakes often enter compounds in search of food, mainly rodents like mice and perhaps water. So, one effective prevention strategy is to eliminate these food sources.

To effectively reduce snakebites as a public health challenge, there’s need for a multidisciplinary approach involving environmental experts, public health professionals, veterinarians, community leaders and policymakers.

In early July last year, the Africa Snakebite Alliance was formed in Kenya, to address snakebites.

In May 28, Kenya joined the Global Snake Task Force that seeks to address the rising issue of snake envenoming.

The task force was established during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, co-chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, and Elhadj As Sy, Chancellor of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

“After years of snakebite being overlooked, successfully placing this issue on the official WHA agenda for the first time this decade is a significant milestone and demonstrates Kenya's commitment to addressing this avoidable health challenge,” Duale says.

Health Director General Patrick Amoth, said that putting snakebite envenoming on the global agenda is a significant milestone in addressing a challenge that affects many people in Africa.