Kenya has taken the first step towards combating the threat of antibiotic resistance following a warning from the World Health Organization that resistance to antibiotics was rising globally.
Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital recently launched the Empiric Antibiotic Guidelines, specifically designed to guide clinicians in responsible antibiotic use and improve patient safety across Nairobi County.
The initiative, which is a first of its kind, marks a turning point in Kenya's efforts to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and promote evidence-based healthcare.
Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Obwanda, while speaking on the new guidelines, said the main goal was promoting responsible antibiotic use amid a rise in infections among Nairobians.
“The inspiration came from our ongoing commitment to patient safety, evidence-based practice, and responsible antibiotic use,” said Obwanda.
“As a busy Level 5 referral hospital, we see many patients with varying infections daily. These guidelines ensure early, effective treatment while reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.”
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative effort involving doctors, pharmacists, microbiologists, nurses and other health experts and provide a standardised scientific framework for clinicians, especially in cases where treatment must begin before laboratory results are available.
According to Obwanda, the guidelines align perfectly with Nairobi City County’s health agenda, which emphasises quality, safety, and dignity in healthcare delivery.
“Our work supports the County’s vision to ensure every Nairobian receives care guided by research, not trial and error,” he noted. “This strengthens Nairobi’s position as a leader in infection prevention and clinical innovation.”
Mama Lucy Hospital, which has been the subject of controversy in recent months, will also introduce continuous training audits and feedback systems to ensure compliance and long-term sustainability.
Obwanda also revealed that the facility was investing in research and data systems to monitor antibiotic use and resistance trends.
The initiative comes weeks after an alarming report from the World Health Organisation, which warned that one in six bacterial infections worldwide is now resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
The global health agency urged countries to strengthen infection prevention and the right usage of antibiotics, warning that routine medical procedures run the risk of becoming dangerous due to medicine-resistant infections.
