By Staff Writer | Wajir Today | Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has issued a stern warning to Kenyans against the growing practice of self-medication, cautioning that the misuse of drugs is fuelling antimicrobial resistance and delaying the diagnosis of life-threatening diseases.

Ms Muthoni said many Kenyans are increasingly turning to chemists as their first point of care, often purchasing medicine without proper medical consultation or laboratory tests.

“People should stop prescribing drugs for themselves. Any medicine bought from a chemist must be recommended by a qualified health professional after proper examination and laboratory tests,” she said.

The Principal Secretary expressed concern that patients frequently rely on advice from untrained individuals or reuse old prescriptions, a trend she said poses serious risks to public health.

She warned that inappropriate use of medicine, particularly antibiotics, is accelerating antimicrobial resistance, a global health threat that makes common infections increasingly difficult and costly to treat.

“When you misuse medicine today, it may fail to work tomorrow when you are seriously ill. That is how antimicrobial resistance develops,” Ms Muthoni said.

She noted that antimicrobial resistance leads to prolonged illness, extended hospital stays, higher medical costs and an increased risk of death, placing additional strain on the country’s already stretched healthcare system.

Ms Muthoni emphasised that antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals, warning that incomplete dosages and unnecessary use significantly weaken their effectiveness.

The Principal Secretary also linked self-medication to the late diagnosis of chronic and life-threatening conditions, particularly cancer.

She explained that many patients suppress symptoms with painkillers instead of seeking proper medical evaluation and screening.

“Self-medication discourages people from going for screening and testing. This is why we are seeing many cancer cases being discovered when it is already too late,” she said.

She urged Kenyans to seek timely medical attention at recognised health facilities and to adhere strictly to prescribed treatment plans, saying early diagnosis remains critical in improving treatment outcomes.