Ministry Of Health Cautions Kenyans Against Taking Uninspected Meat During Christmas

• Kenyans looking forward to making merry in this year's Christmas have been forewarned of carelessness and irresponsible behaviour that could endanger their lives
• The Ministry of Health expressed concern over the likelihood of diseases from proper handling of food and water, consumption of illicit alcohol and unsafe sex
• The Minister vowed to partner with the county governments to effect the safety measures aimed at averting crises

Nairobi - Kenyans uniting for festivities this December have been put on notice over the effects of careless handling of food and water.

Concerned, the Ministry of Health said it was aware merrymakers would encounter food, water and other drinks in many ceremonies slated to be held on Christmas.

The Ministry under CS Susan Nakhumicha counselled the public against shelving proper food handling measures.

"The Ministry is fully aware of many ceremonies that communities undertake during this festive season such as weddings, circumcision among others. It should be noted that such ceremonies and gatherings negatively affect our health especially if public health measures are not fully observed," the MOH stated in its advisory.

Why is the Ministry of Health concerned?

To avert the crises of waterborne diseases and others caused by improper handling of food, such as Cholera, the Ministry listed measures that the partygoers and organisers of the parties ought to observe for safety.

For instance, the Ministry advised against the consumption of meat from animals that are not inspected by certified officers; it also cautioned against eating meat from dead animals or birds.

The organisers of the events were asked to adequately provide sanitary facilities including handwashing points and latrines.

The party-goers were also advised to observe hygiene when handling food, cooking and serving it when hot.

On leftovers, the Ministry advised safe storage and proper heating before eating.

They were also advised to drink clean water, treated or boiled.

Besides food handling, revellers were cautioned against unprotected sex and excessive consumption of alcohol or illicit brews.

"In case you get sick after eating or drinking, kindly seek immediate medical help in the nearest health facility. Patients on long-term medicine like HIV, TB, and Diabetes among others should ensure they have enough stock to last you over the festive season. Practice safe sex," the MOH advised.

It said it would partner with the county governments to ensure the upholding of healthy practices among the public.

Meanwhile, the Roads and Transport Ministry has also issued a series of advisories to Kenyans to avert accidents in this period.

The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Japhet Koome, instructed all officers on leave to resume work with immediate effect owing to increased traffic on the roads.

Koome noted that the increase in numbers was due to the festive season, which led to a high movement of people, as well as the heavy downpours currently being experienced in most regions.

"The vehicular situation this year is further compounded by the ongoing heavy El Nino rains being experienced in many parts of the country, which in turn causes poor visibility on the roads. To increase police visibility and security in the country, we have directed all officers who are currently on leave to resume duty with immediate effect.

Why does Koome want travellers to be vigilant?

He further advised Kenyans, including cyclists, boda boda operators, passengers, pedestrians, and drivers, to be extra vigilant by observing all the traffic rules.

According to Koome, most traffic fatalities occur due to the negligence of those in transit.

"Regrettably, most road traffic accidents and crashes in the country are due to preventable human factors such as noncompliance with traffic regulations and rules, including driver fatigue, speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, operating defective vehicles, and failure to use safety belts," he added.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a decrease in the number of road accident casualties by 8.11% this year.

Murkomen said the number of traffic fatalities recorded from January 1 to December 7 was 3,999, compared to last year's 4,352.

"Over the last year, our collective effort has reduced road traffic fatalities. From January 1st to December 7th, 2023, we witnessed a commendable 8.11% decrease in lives lost due to road traffic injuries compared with the same period last year—down from 4,352 to 3,999," he remarked.

However, the CS noted with regret that the number of death cases had increased among cyclists due to factors such as speeding, dangerous cycling, and inadequate non-motorised transport facilities.