Shrubs along Nakuru-Nairobi highway where passengers are fond of relieving themselves. [Photo|ghafla.com]
Passengers who defecate on highways have been put on notice.
The Government, through the Ministry of Health, said it would not be business as usual for people using highways as toilets.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the World Toilet Day at Naivasha Highway Primary School in Nakuru County, Director of Public Health and Sanitation Kepha Ombacho directed county governments to arrest and prosecute passengers who defecated on roads.
"This is now law and we will ensure that it is followed to the letter if we are to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2020," he said on Saturday.
Ombacho said various stop-overs especially along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway had sanitation facilities and encouraged people to use them.
"Drivers found stopping midway for passengers to relieve themselves would be prosecuted," he added.
Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu said the Government was committed to ensuring Kenya achieved ODF status.
"About 2.2 million households compromising of 10.1 million people live in open defecation-free environment and we are making strides to achieve our vision," Mailu said in a letter read by Ombacho.