The government has issued a food safety advisory urging households, food vendors and businesses to take precautions ahead of expected El Niño-enhanced rainfall in the coming weeks.
In an advisory dated September 28, 2026, the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards warned that heavy rains, flooding and increased humidity could raise the risk of food-borne illnesses, including cholera, typhoid and aflatoxin poisoning.
The advisory noted that floodwater could mix with sewage and contaminate shallow wells, boreholes and piped water, particularly in low-lying areas.
Authorities also warned of increased food spoilage, with high humidity likely to encourage mould growth on maize, peanuts and animal feeds, potentially leading to aflatoxin contamination.
Power outages associated with the rains could also disrupt cold storage, increasing the risk of spoilage of milk, meat and leftovers kept in refrigerators and freezers.
Markets are also expected to face disruptions as flooding could expose food to dirty water, mud and flies.
The government has advised households to stock up on water treatment supplies, including WaterGuard and chlorine tablets, and to clean and cover water tanks and jerry cans.
Families have also been urged to keep drinking water in separate, clean and covered containers.
For dry foods such as maize flour, grains, groundnuts and beans, the advisory recommends keeping them completely dry and storing them off the floor on pallets or shelves in airtight containers.
Households with old cereal stocks from the previous season have been advised to sun-dry them before the rains begin.
Food businesses and mama mbogas have also been urged to raise food off the ground, keep it covered and ensure proper drainage around their stalls.
The government further advised food handlers to have their medical certificates ready, noting that county inspections are expected to increase.
Families with children under five and older people have been encouraged to emphasise handwashing with soap before meals.
Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Nyumba Kumi structures have also been urged to organise drainage clean-ups, unblock trenches and sensitise communities on the importance of boiling water before the rains.
The government called on Kenyans to prepare early, stressing that maintaining food safety would require efforts from households, businesses and communities.
