In a bold move to enhance public health and maintain city cleanliness, the Uasin Gishu County Government has issued a new health directive aimed at regulating street food vending within Eldoret City. The announcement, made by the Department of Health Services, is part of an ongoing campaign to protect residents from foodborne illnesses and unsanitary practices observed in informal food businesses.
According to the Uasin Gishu health directive, all individuals and vendors are instructed to immediately cease the preparation, display, or sale of foodstuffs on pavements, street corners, and building corridors. This move seeks to curb potential health risks associated with the consumption of food sold in unhygienic environments.
Why This Directive Matters
The directive is anchored in Section 7 of the Food, Drugs, and Chemical Substances Act, Cap. 254, of the Laws of Kenya, which empowers public health authorities to take action where food safety is compromised. Recent health inspections and public complaints have revealed alarming sanitation issues in open-air food vending zones within Eldoret. From unclean surfaces to lack of running water and exposure to air pollutants, these conditions pose serious health threats to consumers.
“We are not against business,” said a County Health Officer. “Our goal is to ensure that food sold to the public meets the required health and safety standards.”
What Vendors Need to Know
Street food vendors and mobile food handlers operating in Eldoret must now transition to approved and inspected premises where hygienic conditions can be guaranteed. Failure to comply with this directive will result in legal consequences without any further warning.
Key requirements for food vendors include:
- Use of clean, designated preparation areas
- Proper handwashing facilities
- Certification from the Public Health Office
- Regular food safety inspections
Community Engagement and Further Inquiries
The County Government encourages cooperation from all residents and business owners in implementing this health directive. Public participation and awareness are critical in ensuring a cleaner, safer Eldoret for all.
For clarifications or assistance, the public is invited to visit the Public Health Office at Uasin Gishu County Hospital. Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
