Kenyan scientists have identified four new variants of the malaria parasite in eight counties, raising concerns about potential drug resistance. These mutations could weaken the effectiveness of both Kenya's first-line and second-line malaria treatments.

• The most common new variant found in Kenya is A675V.
• Prof Isabella Oyier of the Kemri-Wellcome Trust led the research and presented the findings.
• The affected counties are Kisii, Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Homa Bay, Migori, Bungoma, and Kakamega, with mutation prevalence exceeding 10 percent.