Nairobi County Shuts Down Filthy Hotel Selling Smokies, Storing Trolleys In Public Toilet

• On Thursday, August 15, Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi county’s Environment chief officer, exposed a shockingly unhygienic kiosk hotel in the Bus Station area
• Mosiria said the filthy hotel has been closed indefinitely for posing serious health risks to Nairobi residents
• The chief officer called on all residents, hawkers, and vendors to strictly adhere to health standards

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi—Nairobi’s county government has closed a popular kiosk hotel in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) due to hygiene violations.

What happened to Nairobi CBD hotel?

On Thursday, August 15, Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi county’s Environment chief officer, alongside public health and environment officials, exposed a shockingly unhygienic kiosk hotel in the Bus Station area of Nairobi's Central Business District.

The hotel, which prepares and cooks kebabs, eggs, and smokies for sale to other small retailers and hawkers, was discovered to be in a dire state of cleanliness.

In a video shared by Mosiria, the hotel had blackened cooking oil, strong unpleasant odours, and an overall filthy environment, posing serious health risks.

What Geoffrey Mosiria said about closing the hotel

Mosiria said the kiosk hotel has been closed indefinitely, pending substantial improvements to meet Nairobi county's stringent health and safety regulations.

“Closure is necessary to prevent any potential health hazards and to protect the well-being of our community,” Mosiria said.

The youthful chief officer emphasised the shared responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in Nairobi, calling on all residents, hawkers, and vendors to strictly adhere to health standards.

“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that Nairobi remains a clean and healthy environment. We must all adhere to high standards of hygiene to safeguard public health,” he said.

What are the side effects of handling street foods?

As reported earlier, nutritionist Lena Aleyo told TUKO.co.ke that although street foods are convenient for the employed, save time and are affordable, most people don't consider the hygiene of conditions where the food is prepared before they grab the chapati, madondo or kebab.

According to the nutritionist, the conditions are because of the long-term effects of bacteria invasion and possibly improper treatment.

Additionally, she said food-handling service personnel who do not wash their hands properly could end up handling ready-to-eat food with bare hands or working while sick.

This is why it is critical for hotel employees to obtain health screenings and certificates before working in the culinary industry.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.