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Kenyans react to Sh800 home DNA test kit

Kalebi on Tuesday said the kit is just a sample collection (swab) kit.

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by LINDWE DANFLOW

News10 January 2023 - 13:00
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In Summary


  • Paternity tests being one of the most contentious issues in many marriages, many billed the kit as a game changer in helping men to determine whether the children they have been raising belong to them.
  • However, medical professionals have intimated that the home DNA test collection kit cannot determine the paternity test.
Home DNA test kit

News that Kenyans can now collect their DNA swab at home testing has elicited massive reactions on social media.

This comes after a home DNA test collection kit was declared available at various pharmacies at a retail cost of about Sh800.

Paternity tests being one of the most contentious issues in many marriages, many billed the kit as a game changer in helping men to determine whether the children they have been raising belong to them.

However, medical professionals have intimated that the home DNA test collection kit cannot determine the paternity test.

Leading pathologist Dr Ahmed Kalebi on Tuesday said the kit is just a sample collection (swab) kit.

“For the actual DNA test the sample collected has to be mailed/shipped to the lab where the lab testing fee is a minimum of Sh15,000,” Kalebi said.

How Kenyans reacted

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko cautioned married couples against the kit saying it could lead to many divorce cases.

"I have done further research on Senator Omanga's earlier DNA home test kit post going for 800 bob. First, my advice to families, is avoid going for such tests as they'll lead to a lot of divorce cases na kuvunja so many relationships na maboma," Sonko said.

Former Nominated Senator Milicent Omanga also sought the opinion of Kenyans regarding the test kits 

"DNA home test kit for 800 bob only? Weuh hapa kitaumana wadau! What do you think?" Omanga posed. 

Other reactions:

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