Experts Warn of Antibiotic Misuse

Health professionals in Kenya are increasingly sounding the alarm about the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, warning that such practices are fueling a rapid rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which could severely undermine the effectiveness of life-saving drugs. Clinical pharmacist Dr. Loise Kariuki cautioned during a sensitisation forum in Murang’a County that unnecessary use—especially purchasing antibiotics without prescription—is contributing significantly to resistance.
Infectious disease specialists have emphasized that antibiotics are being wrongly used for minor viral illnesses, such as flu and colds. Dr. Loice Ombajo from the University of Nairobi warned that taking antibiotics in those cases not only fails to treat the underlying virus, but also accelerates the development of resistance.The issue is compounded by self-medication, with many Kenyans obtaining antibiotics over the counter and not completing full courses.
A recent study by JKUAT highlighted serious gaps in how health facilities in Kenya manage antibiotic use: many lack proper lab capacity to guide prescription, have no antibiotic-use guidelines, and do not track local resistance patterns. These weaknesses make it difficult to detect and respond to resistant infections, leaving patients exposed to ineffective treatments and increasing the risk of treatment failure.
Experts are calling for urgent action: stronger public education campaigns, tighter regulation of antibiotic sales, improved laboratory diagnostics, and stewardship programs in hospitals. They stress that combating antibiotic misuse is not just about saving individual lives, but about preserving the potency of critical medicines for future generations.