PS Muthoni warns of waterborne disease risk as rains continue

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has warned of a possible rise in waterborne diseases as heavy rains continue to pound several parts of the country.

She has urged Kenyans to take preventive public health measures to avoid outbreaks.

Speaking on Thursday in Kerugoya after hosting members of the Muslim community for an Iftar dinner, Muthoni said the ongoing rains have increased the risk of diseases such as malaria, cholera, typhoid and bilharzia due to poor sanitation and stagnant water.

She urged residents to take simple environmental hygiene measures such as clearing blocked drainage systems, draining stagnant water and cutting bushes around their homes to prevent flooding and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

“If water reaches near your doorway, make sure you drain it away by digging trenches for it to flow. Many of the diseases affecting our communities can be prevented through simple hygiene practices,” she said.

She advised residents to sleep under mosquito nets to prevent malaria and to ensure utensils and food are kept clean to avoid cholera and other water-borne diseases.

The PS also raised concerns about road safety during the rainy season, noting that slippery roads and poor visibility often lead to accidents and cautioned motorists against flouting traffic rules and driving recklessly to avoid loss of life.

Muthoni also encouraged parents and guardians to closely supervise children, especially while travelling to and from school, saying floods and fast-flowing rivers can pose serious dangers.

She advised parents to ensure children are accompanied by adults who can help them cross roads and rivers safely.

During the event that brought together national and county government officials in Kerugoya town, the PS also appealed to religious leaders to help address the growing problem of drugs and substance abuse among young people.

She urged Muslim and Christian leaders in Kirinyaga to sensitise communities about the dangers of drugs and illicit alcohol that are increasingly finding their way into villages.

“Let us work together to protect our children. Some individuals are bringing harmful substances into our villages and selling them to young people, even when they are going to school,” she said.

She urged community members to remain vigilant and monitor visitors entering their communities to ensure they do not introduce drugs or other harmful substances.

Muthoni also used the occasion to defend the national government against criticism from opposition leaders and called for respect for the office of the President.

She dismissed claims by some opposition leaders that President William Ruto had betrayed the Mt Kenya region, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration had implemented several development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

“The Mt Kenya region remains firmly within the Kenya Kwanza administration. Residents should ignore leaders who are spreading misinformation and disrespecting the office of the President,” she said.

“It is unfortunate to see some leaders hurling insults at the head of state. The presidency is an institution that deserves respect regardless of political differences."

The PS highlighted several government programmes benefiting residents of Kirinyaga county, including the Affordable Housing Programme, agricultural subsidies for farmers, youth empowerment initiatives and the upcoming County Aggregation and Industrial Park.

She also encouraged members of the Muslim community to register with the Social Health Authority to enable them access affordable healthcare under the government’s Universal Health Coverage reforms.

“Registering with the SHA will ensure families can access healthcare services without financial strain,” Muthoni said.