A shocking new study has revealed that over half of the fish sold in Kisumu markets are contaminated with E. coli, raising alarm among public health officials and consumers.
The research, conducted by the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), tested 256 fish samples and found 153—or 60 percent—were contaminated with the bacterium. Health experts warn that these bacteria, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains, could cause serious infections, including urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
The study highlights a looming public health crisis in Kisumu, where fish is a staple protein for thousands of households. Experts say urgent action is needed to prevent widespread infection and curb the misuse of antibiotics in aquaculture.
Contaminated Fish Poses Major Health Risk in Kisumu
The JOOTRH study paints a grim picture of bacterial contamination in local fish markets. Lead researcher Silas Onyango Awour pointed to poor waste management and environmental pollutants in Lake Victoria as the main drivers.
“Fish from Lake Victoria are highly exposed to contaminants, including improperly disposed waste such as used diapers, which eventually reach the lake,” Awour said. “These pollutants are a major reason why so many fish tested positive for E. coli.”
Researchers also warned that improper use of antimicrobials in fish farming is contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When humans consume contaminated fish, these resistant strains can trigger severe infections that are difficult to treat.
Antibiotic Resistance Escalates the Threat
The presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in fish is particularly concerning. Globally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the top public health threats. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and indirectly contributed to 4.95 million deaths.
AMR develops when antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents are misused in humans, animals, and plants. In Kisumu, the study suggests that improper antibiotic use in aquaculture has created a dangerous pathway for resistant bacteria to enter the human food chain.
“AMR makes infections harder to treat and complicates medical procedures such as surgeries, caesarean sections, and chemotherapy,” the WHO has warned. The study indicates that consuming contaminated fish could accelerate the spread of these dangerous bacteria locally.
Urgent Call for Regulatory Action
The findings have prompted Kisumu County officials to push for stricter regulations on fish farming and antibiotic use. Deputy Governor Mathews Owili called for stronger monitoring systems and public education campaigns to reduce contamination risks.
“The government must enforce guidelines on waste disposal and antibiotic use in fish farms to safeguard public health,” Owili said. He emphasized the importance of community awareness, noting that hygiene along the supply chain—from the lake to the market—is critical in preventing bacterial contamination.
Awour added that comprehensive public health measures are needed to protect Kisumu residents. “From proper waste management to responsible antimicrobial use, every step counts. Without intervention, contaminated fish could become a major vector for dangerous infections in our communities,” he said.
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
While authorities work to contain the threat, consumers are advised to take precautions. Proper cooking of fish to recommended temperatures can kill E. coli and other bacteria. Avoiding cross-contamination in kitchens and washing hands and utensils thoroughly can further reduce the risk of infection.
Health experts also recommend sourcing fish from verified suppliers who follow hygiene and antibiotic-use standards. These steps may help mitigate the risks of consuming contaminated fish until stronger regulatory measures are implemented.
Contaminated fish in Kisumu markets represents a ticking public health time bomb. With 60% of samples testing positive for E. coli and antibiotic resistance spreading, authorities and consumers must act fast to protect the community from potentially deadly infections.
