Uasin Gishu Cracks Down on Unhygienic Eateries in Major Health Sweep

 

 In a bold move to safeguard public health, the County Government of Uasin Gishu has launched a sweeping crackdown on eateries violating health and safety standards, resulting in the arrest of at least 40 individuals and the closure of multiple food outlets in Eldoret City.

The large-scale inspection, spearheaded by Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. Paul Wangwe and Deputy Director of Public Health Laban Kiprop, forms part of a countywide initiative to enforce hygiene regulations and ensure that food consumed by residents is safe and clean.

“We are conducting regular inspections of food establishments across the county to ensure they meet required hygiene and safety standards,” said Dr. Wangwe. “This is about protecting our residents—because the food they eat and the water they drink must be safe.”

The inspections, which covered dozens of food vendors and restaurants, exposed widespread violations. These included expired or missing food handler certificates, poor waste disposal, lack of fire safety measures, and cramped, poorly ventilated kitchens. In a particularly disturbing case, health officials found employees locked inside a hotel kitchen, a serious breach of safety and human rights. The hotel owner was arrested on the spot with support from law enforcement.

Three hotels were issued closure notices due to what county officials described as “extremely poor hygiene conditions,” while several others were warned and given timelines for compliance.

“All food handlers are required to undergo medical screening every six months and must be certified by authorized health facilities,” emphasized Dr. Wangwe, vowing tighter enforcement moving forward.

Deputy Director Kiprop also warned unlicensed street food vendors, citing the growing risk they pose to public health. “We urge the public to buy food only from licensed and approved eateries,” Kiprop said. “This is just the beginning—inspections will now be a routine operation across the county.”

The crackdown reflects Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii’s administration’s renewed focus on preventive healthcare and public safety, amid growing concerns over foodborne diseases and sanitation lapses in urban areas.

May 12, 2025