A suspected food poisoning incident at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu County has been brought under control, with all affected students now out of danger, according to the Ministry of Health. The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, saw 68 Form Four students develop severe stomach pains and diarrhoea after consuming boiled cow’s head and soup.
The students had eaten the meal as part of a celebration for last year’s good KCSE performance, after the school had slaughtered a bull for the occasion. However, the joyous event turned tragic when symptoms of food poisoning emerged, prompting urgent medical intervention. The Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, confirmed that preliminary investigations indicated the students had consumed contaminated beef.
“The Ministry of Health has received reports about the suspected food poisoning incident that occurred at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu County. Preliminary findings suggest that the students may have consumed contaminated beef,” she stated in an official communication.
She reassured the public that the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards is working closely with the County Government of Embu to ensure the situation is fully addressed. “The general public, parents, and students are hereby assured that the situation is under control and there should be no panic. The affected students have received the necessary medical attention and are out of danger,” she added.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Health has reiterated the importance of food safety protocols in schools and other institutions. Public Health Officers responsible for school sanitation and food safety have been directed to intensify inspections and enforce regulations under the Food, Drugs, and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254) and the Public Health Act (Cap 242) of the Laws of Kenya.
“Schools are advised to strictly adhere to the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety and Quality Guidelines and to implement proper hygiene and sanitation practices in all food handling areas,” PS Muthoni emphasized. She further urged school heads to prioritize the health and safety of students by enforcing robust food safety measures and maintaining a hygienic learning environment.
The directive extends to food business operators, who have been ordered to ensure the safety and quality of all food products supplied to schools. Additionally, all health facilities have been instructed to maintain high levels of preparedness to respond effectively to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks.
The incident serves as a wake-up call on the critical need for rigorous food safety measures in schools to protect students from similar health risks in the future.
