The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards has issued urgent guidelines to Kenyan households, food vendors, and communities to reinforce food safety measures ahead of the impending El Niño rains. Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki, in an advisory released Monday, highlighted that historical El Niño events have correlated with spikes in cholera, typhoid, and aflatoxin poisoning due to flooding, sewage contamination, and humidity. The department emphasized that floodwaters could mix with sewage, polluting water sources like shallow wells and piped systems, while high humidity may accelerate mold growth on staple crops such as maize and groundnuts, increasing aflatoxin risks. Power outages, she warned, could disrupt cold chains, leading to spoilage of perishable goods like milk and meat.
Muriuki outlined specific actions for households, including stockpiling water treatment products like WaterGuard and chlorine tablets, covering water storage containers, and maintaining separate drinking water reserves. She advised drying and proper storage of grains, groundnuts, and beans on elevated, airtight structures, urging those with old stockpiles to sun-dry them before the rains. Food businesses, including market traders like Mama Mbogas, were directed to elevate food supplies, ensure drainage around stalls, and present valid food-handler medical certificates amid heightened county inspections. Community Health Promoters and Nyumba Kumi structures were tasked with organizing drainage clean-ups and educating residents on boiling water before the rainy season begins.
The advisory also targeted vulnerable populations, urging families with children under five and the elderly to prioritize handwashing with soap before meals. Muriuki stressed the importance of using airtight containers for leftovers and maintaining hygiene through soap, handwash, and sanitizers. The department called for early preparation to mitigate health risks, citing the Kenya Meteorological Department’s warning that 46 of 47 counties face severe weather impacts, potentially affecting 1.5 to 2 million people. The State Department emphasized that proactive measures could prevent outbreaks and safeguard public health during the rainy season.
The Ministry’s guidance aligns with broader climate resilience efforts as Kenya braces for El Niño’s dual challenges of flooding and drought. While the State Department focuses on food safety, other sectors, including healthcare and infrastructure, are also mobilizing to address the season’s risks. With the rainy season expected to intensify in the coming months, the call for collective preparedness underscores the critical role of community engagement and adherence to public health protocols in minimizing preventable illnesses.