The number of Kenyans being bitten by snakes is rising to an estimated 20,000 people yearly as venomous snakes are driven closer to farms and homes in search of water and food. 4,000 of these victims die and 7,000 live with lifelong health complications. Farmbizafrica has prepared Kenya’s only definitive online guide on the most venomous snakes whose bites require urgent care.
Deadly Snakes
1. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
The Black Mamba inhabits savannas, rocky hills, riverine forests, and open woodlands in Kenya. It is one of the most feared snakes due to its potent neurotoxic venom, which can cause death within 30 minutes if untreated. While exact numbers are hard to come by, the Black Mamba is relatively common in suitable habitats across Kenya. It is mainly found in the Kakamega forest, Lake region, Mau forest, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Aberdares, Mount Kenya, Lake Baringo, Mount Elgon, Kakuma, North Eastern province, Coastal regions, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa, Ukambani (Makueni). Human encounters often result in fatalities due to the rapid progression of its venom, although antivenom availability has improved outcomes in recent years.
(Photo:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba)
2. Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)
The Gaboon Viper is found in the dense rainforests of western Kenya. It has the longest fangs and delivers a large amount of potent venom containing both hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and neurotoxins. The venom can stay in the body for about 2 to 4 hours While encounters are rare due to its habitat and generally docile nature, bites can be severe and potentially fatal. The incidence of envenomation is low, reflecting its less common status in the country. It’s only majorly found in the Kakamega forest and Nandi.
3. Red Spitting Cobra (Naja pallida)
The Red Spitting Cobra is common in the savannas, bushland, and sometimes agricultural areas. It is known for its ability to spit venom, which primarily causes severe pain and temporary blindness if it contacts the eyes. Although its venom is less toxic than some other cobras, bites still require medical attention. When it bites a person can only survive less than an hour. Incidents of its venomous bite are moderately common, primarily affecting individuals in rural areas. It is mainly found in Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kwale, and Taita Taveta.
(Photo:https://a-z-animals.com/animals/red-spitting-cobra/)
4. Black-necked Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis)
This cobra is found across various habitats in Kenya, including savannas and scrublands. It’s common in Western, Eastern, and Central parts of Kenya. It is notorious for spitting venom, which can cause intense pain and tissue damage. It is quite common and responsible for numerous snakebite incidents annually. Although fatalities are rare with proper treatment, bites can result in significant morbidity and take only an hour. It is found in Watamu.
(Photo:https://ferrebeekeeper.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/the-black-necked-spitting-cobra/)
5. Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
Puff Adders are widespread across Kenya, inhabiting savannas, grasslands, and sometimes even agricultural areas. Their venom, which contains cytotoxins, causes significant tissue damage and can be fatal without treatment. Death can occur within two hours when not treated. Due to their prevalence and tendency to remain motionless when threatened, they are responsible for a significant number of snakebite incidents in Kenya, leading to most cases of severe snakebites annually. It’s common in Baringo County
(Photo:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puff_adder)
6. Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)
The Green Mamba is typically found in coastal forests and dense woodlands of Kenya, especially in the southeastern regions. Its venom, which contains neurotoxins, is highly dangerous to humans, though less aggressive than the Black Mamba. This species is less common and more elusive, resulting in fewer reported bites. Despite this, any bite requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of severe envenomation. Case reports of rapidly fatal outcomes, in as little as 30 minutes.
(Photo:https://reptilescove.com/care/snakes/green-mamba)
7. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
The Boomslang prefers arboreal habitats, such as forests and woodland areas in Kenya. Its venom is hemotoxic, causing severe bleeding and internal hemorrhages. Despite its highly toxic venom, the Boomslang is shy and bites are rare, usually occurring only when the snake is handled or threatened. In Kenya, encounters with the Boomslang are infrequent, and thus, the number of bites is low. However, when bites do occur, they can be extremely serious and require immediate medical attention. In untreated serious bites, it may take a day or two for human victims to succumb. Its more in Laikipia, Kajiado, Garissa and Narok
(Photo:https://www.safaritravelplus.com/images/wildlife/boomslang-snake/)
8. Jameson’s Mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni)
Jameson’s Mamba prefers rainforests and dense woodland habitats. In Kenya, it is more likely found in the western regions. It has highly toxic venom, similar to other mambas, causing neurotoxic effects. This species is rare in Kenya, and human envenomation incidents are infrequent. However, when bites do occur, they are serious and necessitate urgent medical care. Fatalities have been recorded within three to four hours of being bitten.
(Photo:https://www.quora.com/Are-all-species-of-mamba-venomous-and-dangerous)
9. Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca)
The Forest Cobra inhabits forested regions and areas with dense vegetation in western Kenya. Its venom is a potent mix of neurotoxins and cytotoxins. While less common than some other cobras, it poses a significant threat due to its aggressive nature and potent venom. Bites are rare but can be fatal without prompt medical treatment. Someone can die within an 1hr after bitten.
(Photo:https://a-z-animals.com/animals/forest-cobra/)
10. Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje)
The Egyptian Cobra can be found in savannas, arid regions, and sometimes near human settlements in Kenya. Its venom is highly neurotoxic and can be fatal if untreated. It also contains cytotoxinns that cause tissue damage. This snake is relatively common, leading to several envenomation cases each year. Its tendency to venture near human habitats increases the risk of encounters. A bite of the Egyptian Cobra casues drowsiness and drooping eye(s) after a day. The other lost consciousness and died within two hours of the bite, but no cause was revealed by autopsy.Its common in Mt Elgon and Mpala
(Photo:https://animalia.bio/index.php/egyptian-cobra)
11. Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica)
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is found in a variety of habitats in Kenya, including savannas, woodlands, and areas near water sources. Its venom contains potent neurotoxins and cytotoxins, and it is known for its ability to spit venom, causing severe pain and potential blindness if it contacts the eyes. This species is relatively common, particularly in the eastern regions of Kenya. Human envenomation incidents are frequent, often resulting in serious medical issues, though fatalities are rare with proper medical treatment. Death can occur within 30 mins to 6hrs
(Photo:https://africafreak.com/mozambique-spitting-cobra)
12. Rhinoceros Viper (Bitis nasicornis)
The Rhinoceros Viper inhabits tropical rainforests and swamps in the western parts of Kenya. Its venom is a complex mix of hemotoxins and cytotoxins, which can cause severe tissue damage and potentially fatal systemic effects. This species is relatively rare and encounters with humans are uncommon due to its reclusive nature and preference for dense forest habitats. Consequently, the number of bite venom cases in Kenya is very low, but bites are dangerous and necessitate urgent medical treatment. Its common in Nandi hills but rare in Kakamega forest.
(Photo:https://www.natureplprints.com/requests/butterfly-rhinoceros-viper-bitis-nasicornis-24069623.html)
13. Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
The Saw-scaled Viper is found in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, often in rocky and scrubland environments. Its venom is highly hemotoxic and cytotoxic, leading to severe bleeding, coagulopathy, and tissue damage. This viper is relatively common in its preferred habitats and is responsible for a significant number of snakebite incidents in Kenya. The aggressive nature of this snake contributes to its high incidence of human envenomation, making it one of the more dangerous snakes in the country.Its stays in the body for75 minutes before the signs start to show up. In Kenya its common in North western North West of Lake Baringo
(Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echis)
14. East African Garter Snake (Elapsoidea semiannulata)
The East African Garter Snake is typically found in savannas, grasslands, and shrublands in Kenya. Its venom contains neurotoxins, but it is generally considered to be less dangerous to humans compared to other venomous snakes in the region. This snake is relatively common, but due to its small size and less aggressive nature, human envenomation incidents are rare. When bites do occur, they usually result in mild symptoms, though medical attention is still recommended to manage potential complications.
(Photo:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elapsoidea)
Snakes Dangerous to Limbs & Health
14. Eastern Tiger Snake (Telescopus semiannulatus)
The Eastern Tiger Snake is found in rocky areas, savannas, and open woodlands in Kenya. Its venom is primarily neurotoxic but is generally not considered highly dangerous to humans due to its mild effects. This species is relatively uncommon in Kenya, and incidents of human envenomation are rare. When bites do occur, they typically result in localized pain and swelling, and severe cases are infrequent.
(Photo:https://www.biodiversityexplorer.info/index.htm)- Biodiversity explorer
15. Shield-nosed Cobra (Aspidelaps scutatus)
The Shield-nosed Cobra is found in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya,Embu, Kajiado,Garisa) including savannas and dry grasslands. Its venom contains neurotoxins and cytotoxins, making it dangerous to humans. This species is relatively rare and tends to avoid human contact, resulting in few reported bites. When envenomation does occur, it can be serious and requires prompt medical attention. It can be poisonous to the body after 10 to 30 mins
(Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shield-nosed_cobra)
16. Nubian Spitting Cobra (Naja nubiae)
The Nubian Spitting Cobra inhabits dry savannas and semi-desert regions in northern Kenya. It can spit venom, which can cause severe pain and potential blindness if it contacts the eyes. The venom also has neurotoxic and cytotoxic properties. This species is not very common in Kenya, but it poses a significant threat in areas where it is found. Human envenomation incidents are relatively rare but can result in severe symptoms.
(Photo:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nubian_spitting_cobra)
17. Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis bibronii)
The Burrowing Asp is typically found in savannas, grasslands, and underground burrows across Kenya. Its venom contains potent cardiotoxins and cytotoxins, making bites potentially life-threatening. This snake is secretive and rarely seen, leading to infrequent encounters with humans. It always bites at night and is common after the rain. However, when bites do occur, they can be serious and require urgent medical treatment. The swelling always occurs after 30-60 mins.
18. Kenyan Bush Viper (Atheris desaixi)
(Photo: Facebook)
The Kenyan Bush Viper is found in mountain slopes and dense woodlands in central and western Kenya. It is mostly found in Mount Kenya mostly at Chuka Igembe forest in Nyambeni hills. Its venom contains hemotoxins and neurotoxins, making bites potentially dangerous. This species is rare and prefers remote habitats, resulting in few human encounters. Bush viper bite cases are infrequent but can be serious, requiring prompt medical treatment
(Photo: Pinterest)
19. Eastern Beaked Snake (Rhamphiophis acutus)
The Eastern Beaked Snake is found in savannas, grasslands, and arid regions of Kenya. It has a venomous bite that can cause pain, swelling, and localized tissue damage, but it is not considered highly dangerous to humans. This species is relatively uncommon, and bites are rare. When envenomation does occur, it typically requires medical attention to manage symptoms, though severe cases are infrequent.
(Photo:https://www.reptilefact.com/rufous-beaked-snake.html)
20. Somali Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis scortecci)
The Somali Burrowing Asp inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of northeastern Kenya, often found in underground burrows. Similar to other burrowing asps, its venom is highly toxic, containing cardiotoxins and cytotoxins. This species is quite rare, and human envenomation incidents are extremely uncommon. However, bites can be severe and necessitate immediate medical care.
(Photo:https://uk.inaturalist.org/taxa/116635-Atractaspis)
Mildly Venomous Snakes
21. Twig Snake (Thelotornis capensis)
The Twig Snake prefers forested and wooded areas in Kenya, where it camouflages among branches and foliage. Its venom is hemotoxic, causing severe bleeding and potential organ damage. Although mildly venomous, the Twig Snake is shy and seldom bites humans unless provoked. In Kenya, it is relatively uncommon, and incidents of envenomation are rare but can be severe, necessitating immediate medical intervention. No antivenom exists.
(Photo:https://a-z-animals.com/animals/twig-snake/)
22. Common Sand Snake (Psammophis sibilans)
The Common Sand Snake is found in savannas, grasslands, and semi-deserts. These areas are Nothern, Noth-Eastern, and coastal dunes across Kenya. It possesses mildly toxic venom that can cause localized pain and swelling in humans, but it is not considered dangerous. This species is relatively common, and while bites are more frequent than some other snakes, they are typically not severe and require minimal medical treatment.
(Photo:https://dubiaroaches.com/blogs/snake-care/kenyan-sand-boa-care-sheet)
23. Stripe-bellied Sand Snake (Psammophis subtaeniatus)
The Stripe-bellied Sand Snake is widespread in Kenya, inhabiting savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Its venom is mildly toxic, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and occasionally mild systemic effects. This snake is quite common, and human envenomation incidents are relatively frequent, although they are generally not severe and respond well to symptomatic treatment. They are common in the Southern region of Kenya. Its venom can be on the body for 2 to 3 days before showing any signs.
(Photo:https://www.psammophis.nl/index.htm)
25. Herald Snake (Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia)
The Herald Snake inhabits a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and urban areas in Kenya. Its venom contains mild toxins that cause pain, swelling, and occasionally mild systemic effects. This species is common, and bites are relatively frequent but typically not serious. Most envenomation cases result in mild symptoms that resolve with basic medical care.
(Photo: https://www.sa4x4.co.za/herald-snake/)
26. Rufous Beaked Snake (Rhamphiophis oxyrhynchus)
The Rufous Beaked Snake is found in savannas, grasslands, and dry regions of Kenya. Its venom contains both cytotoxins and neurotoxins, which can cause significant pain, swelling, and occasionally more severe systemic effects. This species is relatively common, and human envenomation incidents are reported occasionally. While bites can be more severe than those of other mildly venomous snakes, they are usually not life-threatening with appropriate medical care.
(Photo:https://guatemala.inaturalist.org/taxa/28770-Rhamphiophis-oxyrhynchus)
27. Kenyan Tiger Snake (Telescopus dhara)
The Kenyan Tiger Snake inhabits arid and semi-arid regions, including rocky and scrubland areas in Kenya. Its venom has mild neurotoxic properties, which can cause localized pain and swelling but are not typically life-threatening. This species is uncommon, and human encounters are infrequent. Bites are rare and generally not severe, requiring minimal medical intervention.
(Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_cat_snake)
28. Western Sand Snake (Psammophis punctulatus)
The Western Sand Snake inhabits savannas, grasslands, and arid regions in Kenya. Its venom is mildly toxic, causing pain and swelling at the bite site but generally does not pose a significant threat to human health. This snake is relatively common, and while bites are reported, they are typically not severe and require minimal medical treatment.More common in Baringo and Turkana.
(Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ogaden/14148283802)
29. Nile Delta Sand Snake (Psammophis aegyptius)
The Nile Delta Sand Snake can be found in dry savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid areas in Kenya. It has mild venom, which causes localized pain and swelling but is not considered life-threatening to humans. This species is relatively common, and bites are occasionally reported. However, the symptoms are usually mild and do not require extensive medical care. It’s more common in Turkana.
(Photo: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Psammophis&species=aegyptius)
30. Striped Skaapsteker (Psammophylax tritaeniatus)
The Striped Skaapsteker is found in grasslands, savannas, and shrublands throughout Kenya. It is mildly venomous, with venom that typically causes local pain and swelling but is not considered dangerous to humans. This species is relatively common, but bites are rare and generally not severe, requiring minimal medical attention.
(Photo:https://novataxa.blogspot.com/2020/12/2019-kladirostratus.html)