The County Government of Uasin Gishu has rolled out an initiative that seeks to ensure residents have access to clean water, good and safe food as well as proper sanitation in the food eateries of their choice.
The crackdown was given a green light during a meeting of public health officers at the County headquarters in Eldoret.
Chaired by Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health Joyce Sang, the meeting sought to discuss the current status of hygiene and sanitation in urban areas.
It also sought to ensure adherence to the Public Health Act.
Speaking during the meeting, Sang called upon the officers to conduct a proper inspection of the hotels in town; their kitchens, toilets, ventilation and the state of the building and issue a licence for each activity going on.
She noted that most premises have multiple businesses under one licence causing a hazard to the food industry.
Staff vaccination
“We are working on ways of protecting our residents and soon, we will have a task force to oversee the inspection exercise. Through this, we will close down buildings that will not be compliant with the Act,” the Chief Officer said.
“…we are also doing a risk assessment to avoid the spread of diseases such as typhoid, cholera and food poisoning,” she added.
Further, the Promotive and Preventive Health CO challenged the hoteliers to ensure they have all their staff vaccinated.
She said vaccines are available and necessary for the eateries to meet the requirements of working in the industry.
On his part, Director Promotive and Preventive Health, Dr Evans Kiprotich, called on the officers to make a summary to the office of the Chief Officer suggesting the possible reasons as per Section 242 of the Public Health Act, when giving out notices.
