Months earlier, Dr Silas Onyango Awuor joined other researchers for a casual meal by the shores of Lake Victoria. As they ate, he admired the calm water but noticed something troubling along the sand. Discarded diapers were scattered across the beach, breaking the beauty of the scene. The pollution deeply bothered him and made him wonder about one thing: Is the fish that people rely on daily truly safe?
Dr Awuor works as a clinical microbiologist at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. He decided to investigate the safety of the fish. He formed a research team and collected 256 tilapia and mudfish from markets around Kisumu. The results shocked him. 60% of the fish carried E. coli. Out of the 256 samples, 153 tested positive.
E. coli lives naturally in the gut. It is especially common among children under five. But some strains cause disease in adults. These strains can lead to serious infections. They also gain resistance to antibiotics. This makes treatment harder. The researcher linked the contamination to the environment. Diapers thrown along the beach and roadside eventually end up in the lake. “That is why the fish tested positive,” he said.
Rising Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture
The study also points to a bigger challenge. Kenya and many other countries now face a growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The researchers noted that aquaculture can act as a reservoir of resistant bacteria. Poor waste disposal exposes fish to harmful pathogens. Misuse of antibiotics in fish farming worsens the problem. The environment becomes a breeding ground for resistant bacteria. People then receive these bacteria through the food they eat.
“AMR is now a major concern in aquaculture,” Dr Awuor warned. He encouraged the public to wash their hands while handling fish. Proper cooking kills bacteria, he said. But safe handling prevents contamination in kitchens. “This should not stop anyone from eating fish. It should push us to handle fish safely,” he added.
Calls for Action and Stronger Environmental Policies
The findings sparked calls for stronger policies. Dr Awuor urged the government to enforce proper diaper disposal. He asked state agencies to work closely with aquaculture and agriculture sectors. He also encouraged manufacturers to explore ways to kill pathogens in used diapers.
The report was presented during World Fisheries Day. It drew immediate attention from county leaders. Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili called for a follow up study. He stressed the need to trace the contamination back to its source.
The hospital’s Anti Microbial Resistance Committee has already developed a new charter for 2025. The charter is built on the One Health approach. It recognises the link between human, animal, and environmental health. It calls for cooperation between the county government, beach management units, fisheries officers, and public health teams.
A major focus is improved surveillance. The committee plans regular sampling of lake water and fish. This will help track contamination and guide action. During World Fisheries Day, the team also trained fisherfolk on AMR, safe handling, and hygiene.
The Kisumu study sends a clear message. Environmental care matters. Responsible farming matters. Proper waste disposal matters. Protecting the lake protects the people who depend on it every day.
Also read: Kenya Steps Up the Fight Against HIV as Youth Infections Rise
