Narok County has ordered the closure of all hotels in Kilgoris Town after four people died following a cholera outbreak that has spread across several wards.
In a statement on Sunday, October 5, county authorities said the move is meant to contain further infections and safeguard public health.
According to Chief Health Officer Lucy Kashu, at least 34 patients are currently undergoing treatment at Transmara West Sub-County Hospital after testing positive for cholera.
The cases have been confirmed in Kilgoris Central, Shankoe, and Lolgorian wards in Transmara West and South sub-counties.
"Several wards in this county have been affected by the disease, and we have already taken action to ensure that the cases that have been reported are being treated," Kashu said.
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The county government also imposed a ban on food hawking in Kilgoris as part of the preventive measures.
Authorities have directed that the closure of hotels and the hawking ban will remain in place until the outbreak is contained.
"Going forward, because of the danger presented by the disease, all the hotel and food hawking operations in Kilgoris town should stop until the disease is eliminated in the county," Kashu added.
In addition to restrictions, the county has launched an awareness campaign urging residents to observe strict hygiene standards, including proper handwashing and responsible waste disposal.
Residents have also been advised to drink and cook only with clean water to minimize the risk of infection.
"We have already started raising awareness among residents of these sub-counties to ensure that they adhere to some practices, such as washing hands frequently, to prevent the spread of the disease," Kashu stated.
Cholera spreads mainly through contaminated water or food, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Poor sanitation, poor hygiene practices, and the consumption of raw or undercooked food from contaminated waters increase the risk of infection.
Symptoms of cholera usually appear within a few hours to five days after infection; they include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration.
Other signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, sunken eyes, reduced urine output, muscle cramps, fatigue, and weakness.
In severe cases, low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat may occur, and if left untreated, death can occur within hours.
Notably, this comes two weeks after authorities in Bomet uncovered a case of illegal meat supply after a hotel was found serving flamingo meat to unsuspecting customers.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 24, the County Government of Bomet said the discovery was made during a surprise visit to the joint.
"The Department of Health Services, Public Health led by the Chief Officer for Health Felix Langat and the Director Public Health Leonard Lang'at made an impromptu visit to a hotel operating in Bomet town for an inspection and found Flamingo meat which has been a trend selling to its residents," the statement read.
The county government confirmed that the establishment was immediately shut down and the suspect taken into custody.
"The suspect has been arrested for allegedly selling flamingos following a sting operation conducted early today by county officials. County officers raided the premises and discovered freshly supplied flamingo meat, raising serious public health concerns," the statement added.
The county officials warned other establishments against engaging in such business, noting that consuming such meat poses risks to consumers.
"The Chief Officer warned other businesses against engaging in illegal and unsafe meat supply, promising heightened surveillance and strict enforcement moving forward," the statement concluded.
