The government has renewed its warning to Kenyans against the growing habit of self-medication, cautioning that the misuse of over-the-counter drugs is endangering lives and undermining efforts to control preventable diseases.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the widespread practice of self-prescription of medicine without proper medical guidance is contributing to serious health complications, including the rise of antimicrobial resistance and delayed diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses.
“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,” Muthoni said.
She spoke on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at ACK Gichonjo Church in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, during a community sensitisation forum on preventive healthcare and responsible use of medicines.
The PS expressed concern that many Kenyans are turning to pharmacies as the first point of care whenever they feel unwell, often relying on advice from untrained individuals or past prescriptions.
She warned that this trend is accelerating antimicrobial resistance, a global health threat that makes common infections harder to treat.
“When you misuse medicine today, it may fail to work tomorrow when you are seriously ill. That is how antimicrobial resistance develops,” Muthoni said, noting that resistance leads to prolonged illness, higher medical costs and increased risk of death.
She emphasised that antibiotics, in particular, should only be used when prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals, adding that incomplete dosage and unnecessary use weaken their effectiveness.
According to the PS, antimicrobial resistance is already straining the country’s healthcare system and reversing gains made in disease control.
Muthoni further linked self-medication to the late diagnosis of chronic and life-threatening conditions, especially cancer.
She explained that many people ‘mask’ symptoms with painkillers and other drugs instead of seeking proper medical evaluation.
“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.
The PS underscored the importance of early detection, stating that routine screening remains one of the most effective ways of reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases.
She urged Kenyans to take advantage of available screening services at public health facilities.
“Regular and continuous screening saves lives. Diseases like cancer can be treated successfully if detected early,” Muthoni said, adding that prevention and early intervention are less costly and more effective than late treatment.
In line with the government’s focus on universal health coverage, the PS also called on Kenyans to enrol in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and ensure consistent contributions.
She said health insurance is critical in enabling citizens to access timely and quality healthcare without facing financial hardship.
“No one should delay seeking treatment because of lack of money. Health insurance allows families to focus on recovery instead of worrying about hospital bills,” she said.
Muthoni reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare, expanding screening programmes and enhancing public awareness on responsible medicine use.
She noted that the government is working closely with healthcare providers, professional bodies and community leaders to curb drug misuse and promote preventive healthcare.
She urged religious institutions, community groups and local leaders to partner with the government in spreading accurate health information, saying collective responsibility is key to improving health outcomes.
“Good health starts with informed choices. Let us protect ourselves by seeking professional medical advice, going for regular check-ups and using medicine responsibly,” the PS said.
By David Wandeto
