Eldoret Health Crackdown: Three Hotels Closed, Over 50 Arrested for Safety Violations
Dr. Wangwe reiterated that all food handlers are required to undergo medical screening every six months and obtain certification from authorised facilities.
Uasin Gishu cracks down on unsafe eateries, shuts three hotels and arrests over 50 in Eldoret. Photo/The Star Kenya.
By Robert Assad
Uasin Gishu County health officials have launched a sweeping crackdown in Eldoret City, shutting down three hotels and arresting more than 50 individuals for breaching food safety and hygiene regulations.
The inspection operation, spearheaded by Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. Paul Wangwe and Deputy Director of Public Health Laban Kiprop, targeted multiple eateries and food vendors suspected of endangering public health.
The move follows a spike in foodborne illnesses linked to unsanitary food handling practices.
“This exercise is about safeguarding the health of our residents,” said Dr. Wangwe. “Governor Jonathan has instructed us to ensure all food establishments meet required hygiene standards.”
Health officials cited numerous infractions, including expired or missing food handler certificates, unsanitary kitchen environments, inadequate fire safety measures, and poor ventilation in food preparation areas.
A significant number of those arrested were hotel staff operating without the necessary medical certification.
In one particularly alarming case, officials discovered hotel workers locked inside a kitchen, prompting the immediate arrest of the hotel owner for violating both health and human rights standards.
The three hotels ordered to close were cited for what authorities described as “extremely poor hygiene conditions.” While some businesses met the minimum requirements, many failed to comply with county health regulations.
Dr. Wangwe reiterated that all food handlers are required to undergo medical screening every six months and obtain certification from authorised facilities.
“We will enforce this law more stringently going forward,” he added, announcing plans to ramp up inspections across the county.
Deputy Director Kiprop also issued a stern warning to illegal street food vendors, stating they present a serious risk to public health.
“We urge residents to buy food only from licensed and inspected premises,” he said, noting that unregulated food hawking has been on the rise in Eldoret.
County officials affirmed that this crackdown marks the beginning of routine inspections aimed at upholding food safety. They assured the public of continued enforcement efforts to ensure safe and healthy food for both residents and visitors in Eldoret and across Uasin Gishu County.
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