Food handlers in Kibra on Tuesday benefitted from an exercise to legitimise their operations courtesy of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the county government of Nairobi.
The mobile medical certification camp held at Ayany area attracted several food handlers who were determined to get certificates to legalise their operations.
According to Shadrack Ngige, an officer from the Nairobi county government in charge of operations in Kibra, the initiative is aimed at bringing services closer to the people especially those who find it difficult to obtain certification from the designated offices at the Headquarters.
“It is a rare opportunity that any one operating business of selling food should consider utilising. There are many people operating without medical certificates and that is why we have joined hands with KEMRI to cater for them at their doorstep,” he said.
He said certification is aimed at preventing diseases such as Cholera which have been reported in various areas by restricting those who can engage in the business. Prospective food vendors undergo medical tests after which the results determine their eligibility to offer food services to the people.
“After examination, the person has to wait for the results. A medical certificate is then issued after one week to those who have been deemed fit as per the medical results. There is also a recommendation for the right medication for a disease that a person has been diagnosed with. Whoever shall be found operating such businesses without a medical certificate will face the law,” he added.
Gideon Okumu who runs Ayany Fast-food hotel where he doubles up as a cook as well as a waiter, expressed delight at the exercise being brought closer saying it was convenient and cheap.
“I have only paid one thousand shillings to get my certificate, I am optimistic that the medical test will be good so that I can continue attending to my esteemed customers. Many people fear travelling all the way to get their certificates at the CBD and that is why majority are offering food services illegally,” says Okumu.