In Kenya’s drylands camels are treasured for transport, milk, and resilience however a new scientific discovery is turning heads. Researchers from India and Dubai have found that a single drop of camel tears may neutralize venom from over 26 deadly snake species, including Africa’s notorious saw-scaled viper.
The scientists discovered that camels, when exposed to small amounts of venom, produce special proteins called nanobodies in their tears and blood. These nanobodies fight off venom toxins, including those that damage blood cells, cause paralysis, or destroy tissue.
Unlike traditional antivenoms made from horse blood, camel-derived nanobodies are :
- More stable in heat
- Less likely to cause allergic reactions
- Effective against multiple snake types
Snakebites remain a serious but under-reported threat in many parts of Kenya especially in arid and semi-arid counties like Turkana, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Garissa, where health clinics are far apart and cold storage is limited.
If proven safe in clinical trials, camel tears could offer a reliable and affordable antivenom one that doesn’t need refrigeration and suits Kenya’s remote regions
In India and the UAE, camel herders are now supplying tears and blood samples, earning up to KSh 18,000 monthly per animal. Could Kenyan herders soon play the same role?
Kenya has a large and culturally rich camel population, especially among Somali, Samburu, Rendille, and Borana communities. This breakthrough could open up new economic and scientific partnerships.
Though early trials look promising, researchers caution that human testing and safety reviews are still ongoing. The treatment isn’t available yet but the science is moving fast!