Kenya steps up fight against Antimicrobial resistance in Uasin Gishu County

In a significant move to tackle the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stakeholders from the health, agriculture, and veterinary sectors convened at Kapteldon Sub-County Hospital in Uasin Gishu County.
The meeting, organised by the Kenya Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, focused on assessing the progress made since the launch of the ROHKET project in 2024. The initiative aims to enhance community awareness and promote responsible antibiotic use under a unified “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
AMR, a condition where microbes evolve to resist the effects of medication, poses a growing challenge globally and in Kenya. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), if unchecked, AMR could lead to KSh10 million deaths annually by 2050 and inflict over \$100 trillion in global economic losses.
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are driving this crisis, particularly in communities where medications are readily available without prescriptions. Red Cross stakeholder Purity Kosgei expressed concern over the widespread practice of self-medication among Kenyans, warning that it contributes significantly to antibiotic resistance.
She emphasised the need for proper medical consultation, stating that, “Antimicrobial resistance poses a grave risk to public health, food security, and economic stability. It is not just a medical issue; it is a multi-sectoral threat that requires a One Health approach.”
During the meeting, stakeholders highlighted the alarming trend of unregulated antibiotic sales in local pharmacies, where individuals often access powerful drugs without medical evaluation. Mercy Chelagat, another key stakeholder, urged pharmacists to prioritise public health over profit.
“The fight against AMR begins with ending the over-the-counter dispensing of strong antibiotics.”
The misuse of antimicrobials extends beyond human health. In agriculture and livestock, antibiotics are frequently applied improperly, sometimes with drugs meant for crops used on animals, and vice versa. This not only reduces agricultural productivity but also contributes to treatment-resistant infections in both humans and animals.
Lack of awareness among farmers and poor regulation were cited as major challenges. Stakeholders called for increased farmer education, better oversight, and restrictions on the non-prescribed sale of veterinary and agricultural antimicrobials. These changes are essential to reduce resistance and improve both food security and public health outcomes across Kenya.
 The AMR effect
The consequences of antimicrobial resistance stretch far beyond healthcare. In the public health sector, resistant infections lead to longer illness durations, increased mortality, and complications during surgeries and childbirth. Economically, the cost of treating these infections rises due to longer hospital stays and the need for more expensive medications, placing a financial strain on both healthcare systems and families.
In agriculture, AMR threatens food production by reducing crop yields and animal health, increasing operational costs, and jeopardising food safety.
In developing countries like Kenya, AMR directly undermines progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Stakeholders emphasised that a cross-sectoral, coordinated strategy is essential.
The “One Health” approach was repeatedly cited as the most effective path forward, calling for collaboration among medical professionals, veterinarians, farmers, policymakers, and the general public.
The ROHKET project represents a critical step in this direction by engaging communities at the grassroots level. By fostering awareness and driving behaviour change, it aims to reduce reliance on unregulated antibiotics and encourage more responsible practices. As AMR continues to pose a growing threat, Kenya’s multi-stakeholder approach could serve as a model for other regions battling the same issue.