Kenya Steps Up Fight Against Silent Pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance
By Kemunto Ogutu
As the world recovers from COVID-19, another deadly health crisis quietly looms: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Often called a "silent pandemic," AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, and fungi evolve to resist treatment, rendering life-saving antibiotics and other drugs ineffective.
In Kenya, this crisis is no longer a distant threat but a present reality. Hospitals are reporting an alarming increase in untreatable infections, leading to longer hospital stays, higher costs, and preventable deaths. Ahead of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), experts gathered at a media briefing in Nairobi on November 18, hosted by the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA), to issue an urgent call to action.
“AMR already kills more people than COVID-19 did,” said Dr. Loice Ombajo, an infectious disease specialist and Co-director at CEMA. “In 2019, 1.27 million people died from drug-resistant infections worldwide. Yet because AMR unfolds slowly and invisibly, it doesn’t command the same attention. But if we don’t act now, the consequences will be catastrophic.”
A Life Threatened by Resistance
AMR’s devastating effects are already being felt across Kenya. Dr. Ombajo recounted the story of Jane (not her real name), a 48-year-old woman whose struggle with AMR illustrates how antibiotic misuse can spiral into tragedy.
Jane developed a urinary tract infection (UTI), a common condition that should have been easy to treat. But after years of self-medicating with leftover drugs, pharmacy-prescribed treatments, and failing to finish prescribed doses, Jane unknowingly bred drug-resistant bacteria in her body.
By the time she sought hospital care, her infection had escalated to sepsis—a life-threatening condition. Tests revealed that the E. coli bacteria in her system were resistant to all 20 antibiotics tested.
“She was critically ill and ended up in the ICU,” said Dr. Ombajo. “Her infection was completely untreatable with the drugs available to us. And this is not an isolated case. It’s happening more and more frequently.”
Jane’s story highlights the dangers of casual antibiotic use, a problem compounded by misconceptions. Many Kenyans wrongly believe antibiotics are a cure-all for illnesses like the common cold or flu, which are viral and do not respond to antibiotics. Each misuse gives bacteria a chance to adapt and become resistant, creating a snowball effect that leaves future infections untreatable.
The Drivers of Resistance
AMR in Kenya is fueled by a perfect storm of human behavior, agricultural practices, and environmental factors.
Antibiotics are widely misused in both healthcare and farming. Over-the-counter sales and self-prescription are common, allowing people to access powerful antibiotics without a doctor’s guidance. In agriculture, antibiotics are used to promote growth in livestock, often without veterinary oversight. These drugs enter the human food chain through meat, milk, and manure, exposing people to resistant bacteria.
Environmental contamination worsens the situation. Poor waste management allows residues from farms, hospitals, and households to seep into water sources and soil, creating hotspots for resistant microorganisms. Climate change is also accelerating the spread of resistance by disrupting ecosystems.
“These drivers are interconnected,” explained Dr. Emmanuel Tanui, the National AMR Focal Point. “Resistance spreads from humans to animals to the environment. It’s no longer a question of if resistance will grow—it’s about how fast.”
When the Rich Survive, and the Poor Cannot
While AMR affects everyone, the disparity between the rich and the poor in accessing treatment is stark. Dr. Ombajo recalled cases where families were forced to import new, lifesaving antibiotics not available in Kenya.
“In some cases, wealthy families can afford to have these drugs flown in from countries like Germany, spending millions of shillings,” she said. “But how many Kenyans can afford that? Most people are left with no options.”
For the majority of patients, resistance means relying on outdated, ineffective treatments—or nothing at all. Many families are left hoping for a miracle. “When you can’t afford these drugs, all that’s left is prayer,” Dr. Ombajo said.
She emphasized the urgent need for Kenya to improve access to new antibiotics, strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, and ensure equitable access to treatment for all.
The Cost of Resistance
For some patients, AMR leaves life-altering consequences in its wake. Dr John Kariuki, an Assistant Director, Directorate of Veterinary Services at the Veterinary Public Health Division and AMR survivor, shared his personal ordeal after a routine hip surgery in 2019.
A hospital-acquired infection resistant to multiple antibiotics left Dr. Karuki fighting for his life.
His recovery took over a year and cost him more than $35,000. The infection also left him with a three-inch shortening of his leg, permanently altering his mobility.
“I used to play football with my sons,” he said. “Now I can only sit and watch from the sidelines.”
Dr. Karuki now dedicates his time to raising awareness about AMR. “AMR is invisible, but I am visible,” he said. “I am living proof of what the statistics mean. Anyone can be affected at any time. And for many, the financial and emotional toll is unbearable.”
A Shared Responsibility
Despite the grim realities, experts stressed that AMR is not an insurmountable problem. Kenya has made progress through initiatives like the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Interagency Committee and the implementation of a national AMR action plan in 2017. However, much more needs to be done.
Public awareness is critical. Misconceptions about antibiotics are widespread, and many Kenyans continue to view them as a cure-all. Educational campaigns are needed to change behavior and discourage misuse.
Improved infection prevention is another priority. Measures such as vaccination, better hospital hygiene, and farm biosecurity can reduce the need for antibiotics.
Dr Hillary Kagwa, the County Director of Health and AMR Focal Point Kiambu County shared some of the measures in his county, saying that they have already formed AMR task forces to coordinate efforts under the “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health strategies.
He stressed that expanding surveillance systems is also key. The national AMR surveillance program, launched in 2018, is helping track resistance patterns, but it needs to be scaled up to provide more targeted interventions.
“There is hope,” said Dr. Ombajo. “Hospitals with antibiotic stewardship programs have seen resistance decline. But if we continue as we are, the consequences will be catastrophic.”
AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unchecked, with nearly half of these deaths expected in Africa. Resistant infections are already driving up healthcare costs, making critical procedures like surgeries and chemotherapy far riskier, and deepening inequality between the rich and the poor.
“The fight against AMR is everyone’s responsibility,” said Dr. Tanui. “Doctors, farmers, policymakers, and the public all have a role to play.”
