Food vendors in Nakuru are up in arms and are asking the county government to lift a ban imposed on their businesses in Nakuru town.
According to the operators, the ban imposed as a result of a cholera outbreak in mid-May has seen them incur huge losses and are now calling on the county government to lift it.
Governor Kinuthia Mbugua ordered the closure of milk bars, eateries, butcheries, fruits and vegetable kiosks within Nakuru Town with the aim of containing the disease.
“Our governor should re-think our status and lift the ban. We have suffered enough,” lamented Jane Wairimu who operated an eatery near Nacha Square.
“Some of us fully depended on those businesses to fend for our families. We have been out of business for two months now,” a bitter Daniel Ochola said.
He added, “Even our small savings have been exhausted. The government should do something.”
Reached for comment, head of the Cholera surveillance committee constituted to find a lasting solution to the epidemic Dr Elizabeth Kiptoo noted that there was no need to worry as everything was under control.
“Before forming this committee, more than 10 people were reported dead in a span of three days with others having been admitted at the Nakuru Provincial General Hospital in critical condition,” she said.
“Ever since, there has been positive improvement as so far, no death has been reported. Nobody has reason to worry as we are working on our final report to be submitted mid this month,” she added.
Dr Kiptoo expressed contentment with their findings saying that if at all their recommendations will be implemented, nothing of the sought will befall the county again.