Senate Presses for Urgent Action on Snakebite Crisis in Kitui

Concerns over rising snakebite cases and persistent gaps in treatment have taken center stage in the Senate, after Beth Syengo called for urgent reforms to improve antivenom access and victim support in Kitui County.

Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on Health, the nominated senator warned that snakebites remain a serious but under-addressed public health issue in the region. She noted that while hundreds of cases are reported annually, many more likely go undocumented due to weak surveillance and reporting systems.

Syengo highlighted inconsistencies in the supply of antivenom, limited availability of species-specific treatments, and low public awareness as key challenges contributing to preventable deaths and long-term complications. She stressed that despite some efforts to stock life-saving drugs, access remains uneven across sub-counties.

The senator also raised alarm over the lack of structured support systems for victims. She pointed out that snakebite cases are largely excluded from government compensation frameworks, leaving affected families to bear the financial and social burden on their own.

“There is a clear need for a coordinated and comprehensive response that ensures equitable access to treatment and strengthens community awareness,” she told the committee.

Syengo formally requested an updated assessment of Level Four hospitals in Kitui, seeking clarity on measures to guarantee a steady supply of antivenom. She also pressed for details on plans to equip facilities with species-specific treatments and improve the capacity of healthcare workers to diagnose and manage snakebite cases effectively.

In addition, the senator urged the committee to outline strategies for reinstating compensation mechanisms for victims and their families. She emphasized the importance of public education campaigns on snakebite prevention and first aid, calling for collaboration with agencies such as the Kenya Wildlife Service.

The Senate Health Committee is expected to respond with a detailed report addressing the concerns and proposing actionable measures to tackle the crisis in one of Kenya’s most affected counties.