Official threatens to close food joints

Kisii, Kenya: Kisii County Public Health Officer Mellitus Kabar, has directed that all unhygienic food premises be closed down.

Speaking after conducting a crack down on food hawkers within the town, Dr Kabar said the condition under which the hawkers sell food is wanting.

He called on the health officials to work together with the police to enforce the Public Health Act.

Most of the hawkers, he said, operate against the law and are selling food not inspected and at unlicensed locations.

"We have had an influx of food hawkers within the county for the past one year. Unfortunately, they are not medically examined and for such a reason, we cannot compromise with anyone who wants to put the health of the population at risk," he said.

During the crackdown, 17 people were arrested and charged with selling food under unhygienic conditions.

"If the hawkers defy the ban, the health officials will be forced to enlist the police and provincial administration on a regular basis to arrest and prosecute them," he warned.