The Kakamega County government has banned open-air cooking and the hawking of cooked food in a move aimed at protecting public health and reducing foodborne illnesses. The directive, issued by acting Health Executive Peninah Mukabane on January 15, applies to public areas such as markets, urban centers, trading hubs, and public events.
A circular addressed to public health officers and other county officials outlined the new regulations. It emphasized that the ban covers open-air cooking, the display and sale of cooked food, and the hawking of prepared meals across the county. The decision, according to Mukabane, is designed to safeguard residents’ health by minimizing exposure to foodborne illnesses.
“The county government of Kakamega is issuing a public notice banning the following activities in an effort to protect public health and minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses,” the notice stated.
The directive has drawn attention and questions from various stakeholders. Some public health officers in the county expressed surprise at the decision, noting the absence of any specific health threats linked to open-air cooking or food hawking. Speaking anonymously, a public health officer remarked, “It is unclear why the notice was issued. What we need is to ensure cooking is done in designated areas by certified individuals, not a blanket ban.”
The timing of the ban has sparked debate, as it follows a similar nationwide prohibition enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit virus transmission. However, critics argue that the current circumstances differ significantly, and the absence of evidence pointing to a pressing health crisis raises concerns about the rationale behind the move.
The decision is likely to provoke resistance from residents, particularly in the Western region, where open-air cooking plays a crucial role in communal events such as funerals. For many, the practice is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, and enforcing the ban could lead to confrontations between public health officials and locals.
While the notice outlines the need for health certification and designated cooking spaces, it does not address potential logistical and economic impacts on food vendors who rely on open-air cooking for their livelihoods.
The Kakamega County government now faces the challenge of balancing public health concerns with the realities of cultural practices and economic activities, ensuring that the policy is both effective and sensitive to the needs of its citizens.
