The Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory urging Kenyans to prioritise safety and responsible behaviour during the Christmas and New Year festivities, warning that increased travel, social gatherings and consumption heighten the risk of preventable illnesses and injuries.
In a statement dated December 21, 2025, the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards cautioned that cases of food-borne illnesses typically rise during the festive season.
The ministry advised members of the public to buy meat, poultry and processed foods only from licensed and inspected premises and to avoid consuming uninspected meat.
Kenyans were urged to ensure that all food is thoroughly cooked and eaten while hot, with raw and cooked foods kept separate to prevent contamination. The ministry also emphasised the importance of proper hand hygiene, clean food preparation surfaces and the use of safe, treated water for cooking and drinking. Leftovers should be handled carefully and reheated until steaming hot before consumption.
Food handlers and hospitality establishments were reminded to comply fully with food safety standards, including ensuring that only medically certified food handlers prepare and serve food.
The ministry further warned against increased use of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine and other substances during the festive period. Kenyans were encouraged to drink responsibly or abstain altogether, with a strong caution against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Parents, guardians and community leaders were called upon to protect children and young people from exposure to drugs and substance abuse. The ministry said it would work with enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance against illicit substances entering the Kenyan market and take firm action against offenders. It reiterated that there is no safe level of tobacco or nicotine use and warned that second-hand smoke poses serious health risks to non-smokers.
The advisory also highlighted the risk of engaging in unsafe sexual behaviour during the festive season, noting an increased likelihood of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and unintended pregnancies. The public was urged to make informed choices, avoid sexual activity while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use condoms, and seek timely testing, counselling and treatment services where necessary.
The ministry called on all Kenyans to celebrate responsibly and safeguard their health and that of others during the holiday season.
