Kenya is racing to develop a locally tailored snake antivenom by the end of 2026 in a move aimed at tackling more than 19,000 snakebite cases reported annually and reducing deaths linked to venomous snake attacks.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) in partnership with Nairobi Enterprises Limited (NEL), seeks to produce treatment specifically suited to snake species found in East Africa.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health has welcomed progress on the project, pledging support for efforts to strengthen local research and production of the potentially life-saving treatment.
The committee, chaired by Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, assessed the project’s progress during a budget oversight visit to NEL on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Members received briefings from NEL Managing Director Rajan Dhanani and KIPRE Director-General Dr Peter Mwethera.
According to the committee, the locally developed antivenom is expected to address shortcomings associated with some imported products, which may not adequately neutralise venom from certain snake species found in the region.
KIPRE has set the end of 2026 as the anticipated deadline for the antivenom’s development.
However, its readiness for widespread use will depend on the completion of necessary safety and efficacy testing, regulatory approval and preparations for large-scale production and distribution.
Kenya Records More Than 19,000 Snakebites Annually
The project comes amid a significant public health challenge, with the Ministry of Health reporting in April 2026 that Kenya experiences more than 19,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in over 1,000 deaths.
Survivors may also suffer permanent injuries and other long-term complications, placing additional pressure on families and healthcare facilities.
The burden is particularly severe in rural communities, where agricultural workers, pastoralists and children face increased exposure to snake habitats and may struggle to access timely medical care.
Snakebite envenoming is classified as a neglected tropical disease, reflecting its substantial impact on vulnerable populations and the need for improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Health experts have long highlighted the importance of having effective antivenoms that can neutralise venom from medically significant snake species in the areas where patients live.
The KIPRE-NEL partnership was formally launched in August 2026 under the guidance of the Ministry of Health, marking another step towards building regional expertise in antivenom research and development.
The collaboration builds on government efforts dating back to May 2025, when the Ministry of Health announced plans to establish a committee to drive local antivenom production, involving KIPRE and the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre.
The broader objective is to reduce reliance on imported treatments, improve affordability and ensure snakebite victims can access appropriate medication when they need it most.
MPs Promise Budgetary Support
During the oversight visit, members of the Health Committee pledged to support the initiative through budgetary backing, signalling Parliament’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s capacity to develop locally relevant medical products.
“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,” Dr Nyikal said.
The commitment could help advance the project’s research, production and infrastructure requirements as Kenya seeks to strengthen its capacity to manufacture biological medicines locally.
The government has also pursued partnerships aimed at expanding scientific expertise, improving laboratory capacity and facilitating technology transfer for the production of antivenoms and other essential treatments.
The Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, based at KIPRE, focuses on antivenom development, snakebite treatment research, diagnosis and community-based interventions.
Challenges Ahead Before Patients Can Access the Treatment
Despite the progress, the end-of-year target does not necessarily mean the antivenom will immediately be available in hospitals and health centres.
The project must demonstrate that the final product is safe and effective against the targeted snake venoms before the necessary regulatory approvals can be secured.
Its eventual impact will also depend on the ability to manufacture sufficient quantities, keep treatment affordable and establish reliable distribution networks, particularly in snakebite-prone areas.
Access to timely diagnosis, trained healthcare workers and properly equipped facilities will remain critical in reducing deaths and complications.
If successfully developed and deployed, the East Africa-specific antivenom could improve treatment options for snakebite victims while strengthening Kenya’s domestic scientific and pharmaceutical capabilities.
For thousands of affected families, the ultimate test will be whether the project translates into faster access to effective treatment, fewer deaths and reduced long-term disability.
The next major milestones will be meeting the anticipated development timeline, demonstrating the product’s safety and effectiveness, obtaining regulatory clearance and establishing a reliable supply chain to reach the communities most at risk.
