Nairobi County Shuts Down Several Shops Over Filthy Food Handling

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Nairobi County Government has closed down several food kiosks at Gikomba Market after finding them operating in extremely unhygienic conditions. The county also issued warnings to seven other traders, demanding immediate improvements in cleanliness.

This action followed disturbing reports of fish being prepared and sold next to open urinals, sparking concerns about public health. Geoffrey Mosiria, the County Chief Officer for Environment, led the inspection along Kombo Munyiri Road, where he found dirty food areas putting consumers at risk.

“We saw vendors selling fish in areas that were clearly unfit. Some were even working close to open urinals. This is not acceptable. We are taking strict action,” said Mosiria.

The inspection also found that mutura, a popular Nairobi delicacy, was being sold under equally dirty conditions. The county shut down two kiosks that were selling both mutura and fish in unhealthy environments. Mosiria warned that any trader who continues to ignore hygiene rules risks losing their business licence.

Apart from food safety, Mosiria criticised the dumping of waste into drainage systems by some vendors. He added that traders are paying street families Ksh50 to throw away rubbish illegally, which leads to blocked drainage and flooding in the city.

He encouraged all food traders to use legal waste disposal services to avoid worsening Nairobi’s garbage problem. He also confirmed that the county will now carry out regular checks in major food markets to ensure everyone follows hygiene rules.

Traders found breaking the rules could face heavy fines or permanent closure. Nairobi County is determined to protect residents from unsafe food and poor waste disposal practices by taking serious action where needed.

SOURCE