As Kenyans celebrate the Christmas festivities and usher in the New Year, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to prioritize health, safety, and responsible behavior.
Increased travel, social gatherings, and consumption during this period heighten the risk of preventable illnesses and injuries if caution is not exercised.
Giving a public health advisory during the festive season, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said that food-borne illnesses rise sharply during the festive season.
“We advise Kenyans to purchase meat, meat products, poultry, and processed foods only from licensed and inspected premises and to avoid consumption of uninspected meat,” she added.
The PS urged that all food be thoroughly cooked and consumed hot, with strict separation of raw and cooked foods to prevent contamination.
The Ministry emphasizes proper hand hygiene, clean food preparation surfaces, safe treated water for cooking and drinking, and careful handling of leftovers, which must be reheated until steaming hot.
Food handlers and hospitality establishments, Muriuki said, must ensure that only medically certified food handlers prepare and serve food and that food safety standards are fully upheld.
The Ministry has further warned against increased alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and other substance use during the festive season urging the public to consume alcohol responsibly or abstain entirely.
The PS also strongly cautioned against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at the same time urging parents, guardians, and community leaders to actively protect children and young people from exposure to drugs and substance abuse.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with enforcement agencies, will intensify surveillance to prevent illicit substances from accessing the Kenyan market and will take firm action against offenders. We reiterate that there is no safe level of tobacco or nicotine use and that secondhand smoke poses serious health risks to non-smokers,” she said.
The PS has also cautioned Kenyans against risky sexual behavior during the festive season, which increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and unintended pregnancies.
“We urge the public to make informed decisions, avoid sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use condoms and seek timely testing, counseling, and treatment services where necessary,” she said.
The PS noted that the Ministry of Health remains on high alert throughout the festive season to safeguard public health.
“We call on all Kenyans to celebrate responsibly and to take simple preventive actions that will protect lives and keep the festive season safe and healthy for all. Stay alert, stay safe, and we wish all Kenyans a Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year,” Muriuki said.
By Wangari Ndirangu
