More than 60 food kiosks in Mlolongo and Athi River towns, Machakos County, have been closed over poor sanitation.
Josphat Muhula, a public health official based in Mlolongo Division said the closure was due to the reported cholera outbreak in the region.
"We have decided to crack down on food kiosks given that they do not meet basic sanitation requirements and, therefore, pose a health hazard to customers," said Muhula.
Muhula, who was addressing the press in Mlolongo town on Tuesday, said proprietors of the kiosks had their operation licenses seized until they meet the recommended standards.
He disclosed that some of the kiosk owners had no permits to conduct the businesses and were, therefore, operating illegally. The situation has since left most of the operators desperate.
Muhula said the public health office is on high alert and doing everything possible to ensure that cholera outbreak is suppressed in Mavoko Sub County.
The food industry is a booming business in the region given that both the towns have high concentration of industries and companies. There are hundreds of casuals working in these companies who depend on the food kiosks.