Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has called for heightened vigilance during the festive season, following the continued receipt of samples at the Kenya National Public Health Laboratory for various diseases.
Speaking in Mbeere North, Embu County, Muthoni urged veterinary officers to ensure thorough inspection of all meat in every slaughterhouse and meat seller, before it reaches the public.
She emphasised that meat inspection must be carried out by trained professionals, warning that unsafe handling can expose the public to serious health risks.
She added that strict checks are essential to safeguard consumers during the holiday period, when the risk of unsafe or contaminated meat entering the market is often higher.
“We want to encourage each and every person to stay put during this holiday season, because this is the season we have a lot of things happening,” She stated.
Muthoni revealed that the laboratory is currently handling samples of cholera, mpox, and marburg, noting that such cases highlight the need for strong public health precautions.
Her remarks serve as a reminder of the crucial role played by health and veterinary officials in preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring food safety during peak festive activities.
“If you suspect that someone has a carcass in their home, please report because we do not want problems during this season,” she said, urging the public to remain alert and support enforcement efforts.
Ps Muthoni reaffirmed that proper inspection, timely reporting, and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial in preventing disease outbreaks during the high-consumption festive period.
Muthoni also issued a separate caution to families, urging parents to speak to their children and keep them meaningfully engaged.
She noted that this is essential in protecting them from sexual and drug-related risks during the festive period when supervision can be lower.
