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You need minimum of Sh15K for actual DNA test – pathologist

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DNA collection sample kit./Courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 – Kenyan pathologist Dr Ahmed Yakub Kalebi has informed Kenyans that the cost of an actual DNA test costs a minimum of Sh15,000, contrary to reports that there is a new kit retailing at Sh800.

Dr. Kalebi clarified that the Home DNA Test Kit said to be available in pharmacy or supermarket shelves at a cost of Sh750 to Sh800 is just the sample collection kit (swab).

He said for the actual DNA test the sample collected has to be mailed or shipped to the lab where lab testing fee is minimum Sh15,000.

“Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of misinformation/ disinformation going round perpetuated by social media comments, even in mainstream media and by political leaders suggesting that the DNA test only costs KShs 800.That is NOT TRUE! The test costs more than Sh16,000,” he stated.

The discussion on the Sh800 Home DNA kit started circulating on social media last week, with a section of Kenyans welcoming the news as a good move into ascertaining the paternity of their kin.

Others were of the contrary opinion that the cheap kit would break marriages.

“DNA HOME TEST KIT FOR 800 bob only? Weuh hapa kitaumana wadau! What do you think?” politician Millicent Omanga posed.

Capital News

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Milton Nyakundi

Milton Nyakundi is a veteran multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience across broadcast, digital, and print media, who relocated to the United States in 2022 and is now the Senior International Correspondent for Kurunzi News based in Washington, DC, USA. He has previously worked with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), among other high-profile roles with Kenya's first privately-owned media outlet - Kenya Television Network. His experience also include prominent roles as Media Consultant for Football Kenya Federation (FKF), and StarTimes Kenya. His career spans high‑stakes political reporting covering legislative and constitutional issues, elections, governance, and accountability across Kenya, Africa, and global arenas. He also boasts extensive sports journalism experience, covering local and international sports events, including leagues, tournaments and sports governance. He is well-known for his investigative depth, editorial leadership, and evidence-driven journalism that guides his consistent delivery of public‑interest storytelling across platforms.

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