City Hall launches crackdown on CBD kiosks for hygiene violation

The County Government of Nairobi has launched a crackdown on kiosks around the Central Business District (CBD) over hygiene violations.

According to the county, the crackdown was necessitated by reports indicating that some food trolleys were being stored within public toilet premises, specifically at the Haile Selassie roundabout.

Nairobi County's Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, accompanied by public health and environment officials, visited the public toilets and later traced the kiosk where the vendors of the trolly get their food to sell to customers.

In a video seen by the Eastleigh Voice, the chief officer exposed the unhygienic kiosk, which is located at Bus Station (BS).

The kiosk prepares kebabs, sausages, eggs, and smokies, which are then distributed to small retailers and hawkers in the bus stop area.

Shockingly, county officials discovered dirty cooking grills inside the kiosk, with accumulated leftovers that had developed an indescribable colour.

Nairobi County officials stated that the discoloured, unidentifiable hue was indicative of prolonged neglect and unsanitary conditions.

Nairobi County government launches a crackdown on CBD kiosks over hygiene violation pic.twitter.com/ZFc9meWIl5

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The floors were also blackened, an indication of dirt mixed with oils. The officials also found stored dirty cooking oil, concluding that it was being recycled for preparing additional food.

Chief Officer Mosiria noted a strong, unpleasant odour, the presence of rats, and an overall filthy environment, all of which pose serious health risks.

As a result, the kiosk was closed indefinitely due to severe hygiene concerns.

"Due to these findings, the kiosk hotel has been closed indefinitely, pending substantial improvements to meet Nairobi County's stringent health and safety regulations," Mosiria explained. 

He noted that the owner had been previously warned to clean up the premises, but the warning went unheeded. The closure of the kiosk, he added, serves as a strong warning to all food vendors, underscoring the county's commitment to high hygiene standards and the protection of public health.

The Chief Officer further issued a stern warning to hawkers and street food vendors, particularly those running eateries, to adhere strictly to hygiene standards, noting that many city residents consume their food.

He also emphasised the need for everyone to contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy environment in the city.

A vendor selling smokies and eggs in Nairobi CBD. (Photo: Handout)