Gov’t Warns Kenyans Against Specific Antibiotics
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has cautioned Kenyans against becoming overly reliant on over-the-counter medications, particularly antibiotics.
Speaking on Sunday, PS Muthoni stated that drug abuse may cause the body to grow immune to antibiotics, hence negating their benefits when they are most needed.
As a result, she urged Kenyans to seek medical attention when they became ill rather than self-medicate with antibiotics.
“We are asking members of the public to avoid over-the-counter medication and prescribing drugs for themselves. It is important to note that antibiotic resistance is a reality now,” PS Muthoni stated.
“We request that members of the public, should you get unwell, please visit a health facility where you will find a skilled healthcare workforce to guide you and prescribe to you the kind of drugs that you require for your body and your ailments.”
PS Mary Muthoni Warns Against Over-the-Counter Drug Misuse
— City Mirror (@citymirrorKE) May 5, 2025
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has cautioned Kenyans against self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs, especially antibiotics, warning of rising antimicrobial resistance.
“Antibiotic resistance is a… pic.twitter.com/8g2GPqHDt4
The PS stated that antimicrobial resistance was a rising issue not only in Kenya but worldwide.
This was owing to the fact that people everywhere resort to self-treatment for minor ailments.
She listed maladies such as the common cold and flu as examples of how most Kenyans treat them with over-the-counter drugs, warning that this could be a form of drug abuse.
“Most people are getting minor ailments and rushing to the chemist and prescribing themselves antibiotics, and then when it exists in their bodies for a long time, it does not work anymore,” she stated.
“The day you require it, it will not work. Therefore, it is important for people to stop abusing drugs. When you have a common cold or the flu, don’t rush to buy antibiotics.”
She added: “Go to the doctor, ask for a proper prescription and get the right drugs that have been prescribed by somebody skilled with the knowledge of what your body requires.”
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Muthoni was concerned about the country’s escalating drug misuse rates, particularly among young people aged 15 to 35, with one out of every eleven 15 to 24-year-olds actively using a drug or substance.
To assist in combatting this alarming trend, she urged educators, religious leaders, community elders, elected representatives, civil society, and community health promoters, among others, to use their influence and participate in the campaign.
“I call upon all stakeholders, public, private, faith-based development partners and citizens to stand united in confronting this national health issue,” she stated.
“Let us join hands to create a healthier, safer and drug-free Kenya where all citizens and, most importantly, our youth are equipped with the knowledge and the support to make informed choices.”
Gov’t Warns Kenyans Against Specific Antibiotics
