Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has raised the alarm over rising public health risks as the festive season approaches, urging Kenyans and veterinary officers to remain on high alert.
Speaking in Mbeere North, Embu County, Muthoni said the Kenya National Public Health Laboratory has continued to receive samples for diseases such as cholera, mpox and marburg a trend she described as a reminder that the country cannot afford to relax health precautions during the holiday period.
She called on veterinary officers across the country to step up inspections in slaughterhouses and meat outlets, warning that contaminated or poorly handled meat poses a serious threat to public health.
“Meat inspection must be done by trained professionals. Unsafe handling can expose the public to serious health risks,” she said.
Muthoni noted that the festive season often sees a surge in unregulated slaughter and meat trading, increasing the likelihood of unsafe products entering the market. She urged Kenyans to report any suspicious activity, including uninspected carcasses stored in homes.
“If you suspect that someone has a carcass in their home, please report because we do not want problems during this season,” she said.
The PS stressed that close coordination between health workers, veterinary officers and the public is essential to prevent outbreaks, especially when consumption is high and movement increases.
“We want to encourage each and every person to stay put during this holiday season because this is the season we have a lot of things happening,” she added.
In addition to public health concerns, Muthoni issued a separate warning to families, urging parents to keep a close eye on their children and ensure they remain engaged in constructive activities. She noted that school holidays often come with heightened risks, including drug use and sexual exploitation, particularly when parental supervision is low.
Muthoni said that with proper inspections, early reporting and strict adherence to safety measures, Kenyans can enjoy a safer festive season while keeping disease outbreaks at bay.
