The Nairobi City County has shut down a popular restaurant in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) after uncovering grave hygiene violations that posed significant risks to public health.
During a routine night clean-up exercise on Monday, January 6, Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria was alerted to a foul odor emanating from the establishment. The unpleasant stench prompted immediate action and a comprehensive sanitary inspection of the premises.
The inspection revealed appalling conditions, including rotten food that was about to be sold to unsuspecting customers, an open and unsanitary kitchen, non-functional toilets, and continued operations despite these glaring violations.
“These inspections exposed shocking findings such as rotten food, a filthy kitchen environment, and the lack of operational toilets. On top of that, the establishment was functioning without regard for public health directives,” said Mosiria.
Further investigations revealed that the restaurant staff had been using forged medical examination certificates, further endangering public health.
In response to these violations, the restaurant was shut down immediately. The owner now faces legal action for breaching public health regulations.
“We found the restaurant in deplorable conditions. The workers’ medical certificates were fraudulent, and the establishment had ignored all public health directives. A closure notice was issued, and we will also arraign the owner in court,” Mosiria added.
Crackdown on Food Safety Violations
This closure is part of a broader crackdown on food establishments in Nairobi to ensure strict compliance with public health guidelines. The discovery has sparked widespread concern over food safety standards in the city.
Just months earlier, a similar operation uncovered “smocha” trolleys stored in public toilets along Thika Road. These trolleys, used by street food vendors, were being stored in highly unhygienic conditions, posing a severe risk of food contamination.
Mosiria urged consumers to be vigilant and cautious about where they purchase food, warning about the dangers of contaminated food.
“The hygiene standards we observed are alarming. Food meant for human consumption must never be stored in such unsanitary conditions. Such practices increase the risk of foodborne illnesses and pose a significant public health threat,” he said.
Recognition of Mosiria’s Efforts
Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria’s commitment to improving health and hygiene standards in Nairobi has been widely recognized. His efforts have earned praise from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who commended Mosiria for his innovative approach and dedication to public service.
“He has spearheaded transformative changes in Nairobi’s health sector, including the establishment of the first Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. This has greatly enhanced the city’s capacity to handle critical care cases,” noted Sakaja.
Mosiria has also been instrumental in revitalizing health facilities such as Pumwani and Mbagathi hospitals, ensuring they meet the needs of Nairobi’s residents.
As the city continues its crackdown on unhygienic food establishments, authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining high standards of hygiene across Nairobi.
