The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has banned five companies that engage in water processing and bottling from availing their brands in the market.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards, in a statement, said the bottled water from the blacklisted companies harbour traces of bacteria that is harmful to human health.
The water firms that have been named for closure, all of which are based in Mombasa include; Bamba processing company in Nyali, Zahra Cooling company in Ganjoni, Zeit water company in Kisauni, the Active company in Bombolulu, and the Sundus water processing company in Majengo.
Issuing the closure notice, Mombasa region KEBS boss, Mr Martin Nyakiomo, criticised the water companies for distributing unclean water to the public.
Nyakiomo noted that the unhygienic water contained coliform bacteria that renders the brands dangerous for human consumption.
The regional quality assurance boss further said the cases were a disaster waiting to happen as the said companies did not undergo proper health checks.
“We are in the process of investigating other companies that do not follow due processes in ensuring that their products are safe for domestic use,” said Nyakiomo.
The closure comes following an outbreak of Hepatitis A in the county.