The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Wednesday received assorted equipment from the World Food Programme to test the aflatoxin levels in the grains.
This will come as a boost to the health sector in cushioning the residents against food poisoning which has since been rampant leading to high rising cases of cancer.
Speaking while receiving the equipment, Health Services County Executive Dr Sam Kotut noted that they will now be able to test the aflatoxins found in grains.
Dr Kotut noted that the equipment are a relief to many farmers within the County who engage in planting various grains and for many years it has been a problem to check for aflatoxins.
“The higher the moisture content the chances of aflatoxin. This is because we have only been testing the moisture content,” said Dr Kotut.
He further noted that they are building an arsenal of equipment to be used in measuring and improving healthcare.
Food security
Among the array of equipment are bottles for taking samples, reagents to measure aflatoxins such as alcohol as well as a fridge for storage at Huruma sub-county hospital medical lab.
Uasin Gishu Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health Joyce Sang on her part thanked the WFP for the initiative.
She said they aim to ensure each Sub-County receives the machines so that the community can test the levels of aflatoxins as well as achieve Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi Initiative on food security.
The World Food Programme is an international organization within the United Nations that provides food assistance worldwide.
It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals. Founded in 1961, WFP is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 80 countries.
