The County Government of Kakamega has issued a public notice banning open-air cooking, the display and sale of cooked foods, and food hawking across the county. This directive is aimed at safeguarding public health and minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
The prohibition applies to the following activities:
- Open-air cooking in public areas, including markets, urban centers, trading hubs, and public events.
- Open-air display and sale of cooked foods.
- Hawking of cooked food in all areas within the county.
According to the notice, the ban is effective immediately and will be enforced by Public Health Officers, who are empowered under the Public Health Act Cap 242 and the Food, Drugs, and Chemical Substances Act Cap 254.
Mrs. Peninah Mukabane, the Acting County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, signed the notice and emphasized the importance of the directive in protecting the health of Kakamega residents.
“This measure is necessary to ensure public health standards are upheld and to prevent the spread of diseases caused by improperly handled or exposed food,” the notice stated.
Copies of the directive have been sent to various officials, including the Governor of Kakamega County, the Chief Officer for Public Health, and other relevant health authorities, to ensure thorough implementation of the ban.
The county government urges residents and businesses to comply with the new regulations, noting that strict action will be taken against violators.
This move comes as part of broader efforts by the Kakamega County Health Services to address health concerns and maintain food safety standards across the region.
So all these self employed people go where not all can afford food from various restaurants help them be better but not close them. So now unemployment soars up so the rich become richer really Kenya.