The Kenyan government has issued a food safety advisory ahead of the expected El Niño rains, warning that flooding and increased humidity could trigger a rise in food-borne illnesses. State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni stated that heavy rains could contaminate water sources, accelerate food spoilage, and disrupt food supply chains. This could expose Kenyans to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and aflatoxin poisoning.
The advisory follows a warning by the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority on the expected El Niño-enhanced rainfall in the coming weeks. The government urged households, food vendors, and businesses to strengthen food safety measures to prevent the rise of food-borne diseases. The advisory emphasized that prevention is better than cure and encouraged households, food vendors, and estates to prepare before the onset of the rains.
The government warned that floodwater could mix with sewage and contaminate shallow wells, boreholes, and piped water, particularly in low-lying areas. High humidity could also accelerate mould growth on maize, groundnuts, and animal feeds, increasing the risk of aflatoxin contamination. Power outages during the rainy season could further disrupt cold storage, causing milk, meat, and leftover food to spoil.
To minimize these risks, households have been advised to stock water treatment products, clean and cover water storage tanks and jerrycans, and set aside a separate, clean container for drinking water. Families have also been urged to ensure that maize flour, grains, groundnuts, and beans are completely dry before storing them in airtight containers. Those with cereals stored from the previous season have been advised to sun-dry them before the rains begin.
The government has further urged households to prepare their kitchens by acquiring airtight containers for leftovers and stocking soap, handwash, and sanitizing products. Food businesses, including small-scale traders and vegetable vendors, have been advised to keep food off the ground, cover their products, and ensure proper drainage around their stalls. The advisory also warned that county inspections would increase, urging food handlers to ensure their medical certificates are up to date.
Families with children under five and older people have been asked to pay particular attention to hygiene, including teaching children to wash their hands with soap before eating. Community Health Promoters and Nyumba Kumi structures have also been urged to organize drainage clean-ups, unclog trenches, and sensitize residents on the need to boil drinking water before the rains begin.
The government said early preparation and coordinated community action would be critical in protecting public health and reducing food contamination during the rainy season. By taking proactive measures, Kenyans can minimize the risks associated with food-borne diseases and ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has warned of a potential rise in food-borne diseases due to flooding and increased humidity caused by the expected El Niño rains.
- Households, food vendors, and businesses have been urged to strengthen food safety measures to prevent the rise of food-borne diseases.
- The government has advised households to stock water treatment products, clean and cover water storage tanks, and prepare their kitchens to prevent food contamination.
