Scientists are calling on Kenyans to embrace snake farming, pointing out that it is an untapped billion-shilling industry with great potential for both economic and medical benefits.
Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga said the country should take advantage of the opportunities in the sector.
“Kenyans must venture into snake farming. It has a lot of potential,” said Kanga, who has openly championed the practice. He was speaking during the second International Wildlife Scientific Conference taking place at Lake Naivasha resort.
The meeting, which began on Tuesday, is being held under the theme ‘Innovations in wildlife conservation science and practice for socioeconomic development’.
It follows the first conference in September 2023 that drew more than 300 participants and saw 127 scientific papers presented by local and international researchers.
The gathering brings together conservationists, scientists, policymakers, community representatives and global partners to share knowledge and explore ways to promote sustainable biodiversity conservation.
Statistics show that more than 20,000 Kenyans are bitten by snakes every year, with 4,000 losing their lives while another 7,000 are left paralysed or with permanent health complications.
The country relies on imported antivenom from Mexico and India to respond to snakebite emergencies.
Dr Stanislaus Kivai, senior research scientist at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research, said local efforts are underway to address this challenge.
“Snake farming is a great thing given its medical importance in terms of venom,” he said.
He explained that through the Kenya Snakebite and Antivenom Centre, they are developing a Kenyan-specific form of antivenom to better meet local needs.
Kivai also highlighted other opportunities in the industry. “Snakebite is one of the tropical neglected diseases causing harm to people and livelihoods. Beyond the medical use, snakes can also be utilised for tourism.
There are a number of snake parks around the country including the national museums. Communities can take advantage of snake tourism. Chameleons in Madagascar are a tourist attraction,” he noted.
The KWS is responsible for licensing individuals and institutions interested in snake farming. Applications for Authority to Operate Wildlife Utilisation Enterprise can be downloaded from its website.
The service has also put in place a manual for captive wildlife management and welfare, recognising wildlife as a vital national heritage.
By law, keeping wild animals in captivity without KWS approval is prohibited. Animals can only be held for specific purposes such as medical care, quarantine, education, research, or if they are confiscated from smugglers.
Anyone seeking to run a captive facility must obtain clearance from the KWS director general, keep detailed records, and file quarterly and annual reports.