The Ministry of Health has directed all schools to strictly adhere to the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety and Quality Guidelines.
In a statement on Monday, February 10, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the schools should also implement proper hygiene and sanitation practices in all food handling areas.
“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,” read part of the statement.
PS Muthoni urged school heads to prioritize the health and safety of students by implementing robust food safety protocols and ensuring a clean learning environment.
She also directed public health officers in charge of school sanitation and food safety to intensify food inspections and enforce regulations as per the Food, Drugs, and Chemical Substances Act and the Public Health Act.
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This comes after 68 students from St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Igumori, Embu County were hospitalized after a suspected food poisoning incident.
The students are reported to have experienced episodes of diarrhea and vomiting and developed severe stomach pains after consuming a common meal at the school.
Preliminary findings suggest that the high school students may have consumed contaminated beef.
PS Muthoni noted that there should be no panic over the incident as the affected students have received medical attention and are out of danger.
Further, she said the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards is working closely with the County Government of Embu to address the situation.
“The general public, parents, and students are hereby assured that the situation is under control and there should be no panic over the same. The affected students have received the necessary medical attention and are out of danger,” PS Muthoni added.
