Kenya Unveils National Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
By Kemunto Ogutu
Health experts have issued a warning to Kenyans to avoid buying antibiotics without a prescription, as the country ramps up efforts to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Speaking during the National World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Symposium & Launch 2024 in Nairobi, the experts revealed alarming global statistics: bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.
“Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic that threatens to undo decades of medical progress,” said Dr. Loice Ombajo, an Infectious Disease Specialist and Co director at the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA). “The human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells, and the more antibiotics we take, the more we kill bacteria—including beneficial ones. This overuse drives resistance, leaving us vulnerable to untreatable infections.”
New Tools to Guide Safer Antibiotic Use
At the heart of the event was the introduction of a portal and mobile phone application, which house 13 downloadable policy documents, including National Antibiotic Use Guidelines. Developed collaboratively by the CEMA and the Ministry of Health, these guidelines aim to help doctors and healthcare providers responsibly administer antibiotics and antimicrobials. By ensuring antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary, the guidelines are expected to play a critical role in reducing misuse and preserving drug efficacy.
“These tools are designed to empower healthcare workers and the public,” said Dr. Emmanuel Tanui, the AMR Focal Point at the Ministry of Health. “With clear guidance and easy access to these resources, we can significantly reduce antibiotic misuse and improve infection management.”
The digital tools also align with Kenya’s broader efforts to adopt a One Health approach, addressing AMR across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
Misuse of Antibiotics Drives Resistance
Health experts warned that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics remain the primary drivers of AMR, creating drug-resistant pathogens that are harder—and costlier—to treat.
“The key drivers of AMR are the misuse of antimicrobials and lack of proper infection control,” said Dr. Tanui. “This has led to new resistance mechanisms, increased risks in medical procedures, and soaring treatment costs.”
Dr. Ombajo explained that many Kenyans unknowingly contribute to resistance by taking antibiotics unnecessarily or without completing their prescribed doses. “The more antibiotics we take, the more resistance we create,” she said. “This isn’t just a healthcare problem—it’s a national crisis.”
Sustaining Kenya’s Progress
Kenya has made significant strides in combating AMR over the past seven years, thanks to support from partners like the Fleming Fund, which has helped set up diagnostic laboratories across the country. However, experts emphasized that sustainability is critical to maintaining these gains.
Dr. Morris Buliva, a representative from the Fleming Fund, called on the government to integrate AMR efforts into national and county budgets.
“The equipment in these labs costs a lot, and it would be a shame to let them sit idle as white elephants once partners exit,” Dr. Buliva said.
Dr. Ombajo echoed the call for sustainability, noting that many of the labs and programs in Kenya rely heavily on donor funding. “As Kenyans, we cannot continue to rely on partners indefinitely. The government must take ownership to ensure that the fight against AMR continues,” she said.
A Unified Approach
During the symposium, Kenya’s multi-sectoral AMR committee also emphasized the importance of collaboration through the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR.
“The misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and even plants drives resistance,” said Dr. Tanui. “This is not a battle we can fight in silos. We need collective action across all sectors.”
The National Action Plan outlines strategies to promote awareness and advocacy nationwide, reaching from households to healthcare providers and policymakers. Experts also unveiled a public education campaign aimed at changing behaviors around antibiotic use.
The Symposium & Launch was part of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), a global campaign observed annually from November 18 to 24 to raise awareness about AMR and promote best practices. This year, Kenya’s efforts are grounded in the launch of tools and guidelines that aim to turn the tide against resistance.
“AMR is not an individual issue,” said Dr. Ombajo. “It’s about people and sectors working together to protect antibiotics and safeguard the health of future generations.”
With CEMA’s leadership in crafting Kenya’s antibiotic use guidelines and the government’s commitment to action, the country is taking bold steps to address one of the most pressing global health challenges.