Nairobi County has taken swift action against unsanitary food handling practices in Gikomba Market, shutting down some kiosks and issuing notices to seven other vendors over poor hygiene conditions.
The crackdown follows shocking revelations of fish vendors preparing and selling fish next to open urinals, raising serious public health concerns.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria led the crackdown along the Kombo Munyiri Road, where county officials uncovered filthy and unsafe food preparation areas.
In addition to the kiosk shutdowns, traders were warned that failure to improve hygiene standards would result in further closures.
"We found traders selling fish in extremely unhygienic environments, some even preparing food near areas used as open urinals. This is completely unacceptable, and we will take firm action against those endangering public health," Mosiria stated.
Further, the inspection also revealed poor handling of mutura, a city delicacy, which was being sold in conditions deemed unfit for consumption.
The county official warned the traders that reckless disregard for hygiene could lead to severe penalties, including business licence revocations.
"To make matters worse, the mutura being sold in the same vicinity was in a similarly filthy condition, posing a serious risk to public health. In response, we closed down two kiosks that were preparing and selling fish to innocent city residents under unsanitary conditions," Mosiria revealed.
Beyond food safety, traders were also warned against dumping waste into stormwater drainage systems, a habit they have adopted that is costing city dwellers by blocking waterways, causing flooding, and contributing to environmental pollution.
The city officials emphasised that hygiene practices in market areas directly affect both public health and environmental sustainability.
Mosiria further condemned the move by vendors who are paying street families Ksh50 to dispose of waste in illegal places, terming it as irresponsible and unlawful.
While encouraging the traders to use proper disposal channels, Mosiria revealed that this practice worsens garbage mismanagement in the city.
The county, which is hell-bent on ensuring hygiene practices are followed, has warned that it will be conducting regular inspections across major food markets to ensure compliance with hygiene regulations.
Businesses found violating standards will face closure or fines, as the county government works to protect consumers from contaminated food.
