The Kenya Medical Research Institute-KEMRI has been urged to establish a snake venom research Centre in Nandi to develop the right anti-venom.
The deadly venomous snakes found along low-lying sugar cane growing areas within Chemelil /Chemase areas claim tens of lives of the attacked residents.
The residents now want KEMRI to research the snakes as many victims of snake bites die because their bodies fail to respond to imported anti-venom administered to them.
Chemase residents led by Henry Muge said rear snake species are found along the marginal low rocky area of Chemelil/Chemase in Nandi county.
He called for an action plan to research the nature of venomous snakes and anti-venom that can remedy the bites.
Muge spoke at Chemase Health Centre where he received monthly medical supplies among them drugs donated by Karebe Gold mining company as part of their Social corporate responsibility.
Five other health facilities in the area received their respective monthly medical supplies from the Gold mining company.
Karebe gold mines distribute essential drugs and other supplies to five other health facilities in the area to supplement the supplies from the Nandi County government
Each health facility receives supplies worth Sh30,000. Every month in a partnership program with the county government of Nandi.
Gilbert Terer, Karebe Gold Mines health department said the company spends Sh150,000 every month on purchasing essential medical supplies for facilities around the mining area.
“We supply according to the list of commodities they request and the response has been overwhelming… the facilities require anti-venom due to the rampant snake bites in the area,” Terer said.
Health officer in charge of Chemase Health Centre Amos Barno said most snake bite victims are taken to Nandi-Hills or Kapsabet which is more than 60 kilometres away, hence chances of survival are minimal.
“We need to have a fully-fledged stock of anti-venom and other emergency drugs and equipment like X-rays at the facility as it serves a huge area,” Barno added.
Chemase Hospital was opened in 1969 by the late minister Tom Mboya weeks before he was assassinated.
No serious expansion has ever taken place despite the rich history it has.
The late Mboya who was the minister for economic planning also opened Samoei High School in Nandi-Hills the same day before leaving for Nairobi after which he met his death.
