The Kenyan government has issued a nationwide directive requiring all schools to strictly adhere to the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety and Quality Guidelines following a suspected food poisoning incident at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu County. The incident saw 68 Form Four students fall ill after consuming contaminated meat, leading to concerns over food safety practices in learning institutions.
The affected students developed severe stomach pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting after eating beef prepared at the school. The school principal, Paul Mwaniki, indicated that the students had slaughtered a bull and later consumed its meat before symptoms appeared. As the number of ill students increased, they were initially taken to a local private facility before being transferred to Kiritiri Sub-County Hospital for further medical attention.
In response, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni assured the public that the students were out of danger after receiving the necessary medical treatment. However, she emphasized the need for schools to uphold strict food safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.
The Ministry of Health and the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, in collaboration with the Embu County Government, have taken immediate action to address the situation. Schools across the country have been reminded to prioritize student health by maintaining stringent hygiene measures in food handling areas.
Additionally, food suppliers to schools have been directed to ensure that all food products meet the required safety standards before distribution. Public Health Officers in charge of school sanitation and food safety have also been instructed to intensify food inspections and enforce regulations outlined under the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254) and the Public Health Act (Cap 242).
Muthoni reiterated the importance of maintaining proper hygiene throughout the entire food chain, including procurement, storage, preparation, and consumption. “This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to strict food safety protocols throughout the entire food chain. Schools must follow the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety and Quality Guidelines and implement proper hygiene and sanitation practices in all food handling areas,” she stated.
As part of preventive measures, health facilities nationwide have been directed to remain on high alert and enhance preparedness for potential foodborne illness outbreaks. This directive aims to ensure that any similar incidents are swiftly addressed and managed before escalating.
Moreover, school administrators have been advised to conduct regular food safety training for kitchen staff and other personnel involved in meal preparation. Public Health Officers are expected to work closely with schools to ensure compliance with safety protocols and identify potential risks before they lead to health emergencies.
The government has placed significant responsibility on food suppliers to guarantee the quality and safety of their products. Suppliers must ensure that all food items delivered to schools meet the highest safety standards, as contaminated food can lead to severe health consequences.
Additionally, school administrators must ensure that food storage facilities are well maintained, kitchen staff are adequately trained, and all food items are inspected before being prepared for students. Regular audits and inspections will be conducted to ensure adherence to these guidelines.
The food poisoning incident in Embu County has highlighted the urgent need for schools to enforce strict food safety measures. Moving forward, a collaborative approach involving school management, food suppliers, health officials, and government agencies will be crucial in ensuring that students consume safe and healthy meals.
By reinforcing hygiene practices and implementing stringent inspections, the government aims to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect students from similar health risks in the future. Schools are encouraged to take immediate action in complying with these directives to safeguard the well-being of learners across the country.
