The government has urged households, food vendors and businesses to strengthen food safety measures ahead of the expected El Niño rains.

It warned that flooding and increased humidity could trigger a rise in food-borne illnesses.

State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said heavy rains could contaminate water sources, accelerate food spoilage and disrupt food supply chains, exposing Kenyans to diseases such as cholera, typhoid and aflatoxin poisoning.

The advisory follows a warning by the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA) on the expected El Niño-enhanced rainfall in the coming weeks.

“Prevention is better than cure,” the advisory stated, urging households, food vendors and estates to prepare before the onset of the rains.

The government warned that floodwater could mix with sewage and contaminate shallow wells, boreholes and piped water, particularly in low-lying areas.

It also cautioned that high humidity could accelerate mould growth on maize, groundnuts and animal feeds, increasing the risk of aflatoxin contamination.

“Power outages during the rainy season could further disrupt cold storage, causing milk, meat and leftover food kept in refrigerators and freezers to spoil.”

The advisory also warned that flooding in major markets could expose food to contaminated water, mud and flies, increasing the risk of contamination.

To minimise these risks, households have been advised to stock water treatment products such as Water Guard and chlorine tablets, clean and cover water storage tanks and jerrycans, and set aside a separate, clean container for drinking water.

Families have also been urged to ensure that maize flour, grains, groundnuts and beans are completely dry before storing them in airtight containers placed on shelves or pallets away from the floor.

Those with cereals stored from the previous season have been advised to sun-dry them before the rains begin.

The government has further urged households to prepare their kitchens by acquiring airtight containers for leftovers and stocking soap, handwash and sanitising products.

“Handwashing is your first defence,” the advisory stated, emphasising the importance of hygiene in preventing food-borne illnesses.

Food businesses, including small-scale traders and vegetable vendors, have been advised to keep food off the ground, cover their products and ensure proper drainage around their stalls.

The advisory also warned that county inspections would increase, urging food handlers to ensure their medical certificates were up to date.

Families with children under five and older people have been asked to pay particular attention to hygiene, including teaching children to wash their hands with soap before eating.

Community Health Promoters and Nyumba Kumi structures have also been urged to organise drainage clean-ups, unclog trenches and sensitise residents on the need to boil drinking water before the rains begin. 

The government said early preparation and coordinated community action would be critical in protecting public health and reducing food contamination during the rainy season.