Kenyans have been warned that the expected El Niño-enhanced rains could increase exposure to contaminated water, unsafe food and other conditions linked to cholera, typhoid and aflatoxin poisoning.
The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards issued the warning on Monday, September 28, urging households, food vendors and residential estates to prepare before rainfall intensifies, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and water contamination.
The health risks are not caused by rainfall alone. Flooding can overwhelm drainage and sanitation systems, while high humidity, power outages and poor food storage can create additional opportunities for contamination and spoilage.
Here is how the rainy season could affect the safety of food and water in Kenyan households.
Floods can contaminate water
Floodwater can mix with sewage and other waste, contaminating shallow wells, boreholes and other water sources. The Health Ministry has previously warned that flooding and the mixing of storm water with faecal matter can increase the risk of diarrhoeal and waterborne diseases, including cholera and typhoid.
The government has advised households to “stock WaterGuard or chlorine tablets, clean and cover all water storage tanks and jerry cans” and maintain a separate clean, covered container for drinking water.
Water from potentially contaminated sources should be treated or boiled before consumption.
Humidity can affect maize
Rainy and humid conditions can also create food-safety problems, particularly where cereals are inadequately dried or stored.
The government has warned that high humidity can encourage mould growth on maize, groundnuts and animal feeds, increasing the risk of aflatoxin contamination. The Health Ministry has previously identified inadequate drying and storage as factors that can contribute to aflatoxin contamination of maize, cereals and pulses.
Households have been advised to ensure maize flour, maize grains, groundnuts and beans are completely dry before storing them off the floor, preferably on pallets or shelves, and in airtight containers.
Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain moulds and can pose serious health risks when contaminated food is consumed.
Power cuts can spoil food
Heavy rains can also affect food safety indirectly through electricity disruptions.
The government warned that “food could spoil faster during the rains because of power outages”, which may disrupt refrigeration and leave milk, meat and leftovers unsafe.
The risk is particularly relevant to perishable foods that depend on continuous refrigeration. Households should therefore pay attention to food stored in fridges and freezers during prolonged power interruptions.
Flooded markets expose food
Markets and food stalls can face additional contamination risks when drainage systems overflow.
The government warned that major markets could flood, exposing food to dirty water, mud and flies. Food vendors, including mama mbogas, have been advised to keep food raised off the ground and covered, while maintaining proper drainage around their stalls.
The advice is consistent with previous Health Ministry guidance that identifies cross-contamination, unsafe food sources, inadequate cooking, improper storage and poor hygiene as important contributors to foodborne illness.
Poor hygiene increases exposure
Flooding can make access to clean water and sanitation more difficult, making basic hygiene particularly important during the rainy season.
The government has urged families to stock soap, handwash and sanitiser, while emphasising handwashing as an important defence against foodborne illnesses. Community Health Promoters and Nyumba Kumi teams have also been asked to support drainage clean-ups and community sensitisation on boiling water before the rains.
For households, the precautions are straightforward: protect drinking water from contamination, keep food dry and covered, store cereals properly, maintain hygiene and take care with perishable food when electricity is disrupted.
The government’s warning comes as Kenya steps up preparations for the expected rains, including measures to identify flood-prone areas and reduce the health risks associated with flooding.
The Health Ministry has previously documented the relationship between flooding and waterborne disease risks in Kenya, including the contamination of water sources when floodwater mixes with faecal matter.
