In response to the matter, the Ministry revealed that the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards is working closely with the County Government of Embu to address the situation.
The Ministry of Health has released five directives for schools after a suspected case of food poisoning affected 68 students at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu County on Friday, February 7.
In a statement on Monday, February 10, the Ministry confirmed receiving reports about the suspected food poisoning incident that occurred at the school when 68 Form Four students allegedly consumed beef that was contaminated.
“Students are reported to have experienced episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting and developed severe stomach pains after consuming a common meal at the school. Preliminary findings suggest that the students may have consumed contaminated beef,” the statement read in part.
In response to the matter, the Ministry revealed that the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards is working closely with the County Government of Embu to address the situation.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni during a strategic meeting to advance efforts in malaria elimination on February 7, 2025. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni assured the general public, parents and students that the situation is under control and there should be no panic over the same. “The affected students have received the necessary medical attention and are out of danger,” the statement she signed added.
Muthoni informed Kenyans that the incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to strict food safety protocols throughout the entire food chain.
To this end, schools have been advised to strictly adhere to the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety and Quality Guidelines and to implement proper hygiene and sanitation practices in all food handling areas.
Furthermore, school heads are reminded to prioritize the health and safety of students by implementing robust food safety protocols and ensuring a clean, safe and hygienic learning environment.
Food Business Operators were compelled to ensure the safety and quality of all food products supplied to schools.
Public Health Officers in charge of school sanitation and food safety were directed to intensify food inspections and enforce regulations as per the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254) and the Public Health Act (Cap 242) of the Laws of Kenya.
All health facilities were directed to maintain high levels of preparedness to respond effectively to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks.
On Friday, February 7, the students were taken to Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital for treatment after showing signs of food poisoning. However, three of them were later transferred to Embu Level 5 Hospital for specialized care.
The school had slaughtered a bull to celebrate the previous year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam results. According to the Principal, the incident occurred after Form Four students and two teachers consumed the animal’s head.
“Today in the morning an incident was reported about students complaining of stomachache and some diarrhoeic. We slaughtered a bull on Wednesday morning, we ate it, the whole school together with the staff and then the head was boiled at night and we took it with the candidates yesterday,” he explained to journalists on Friday.
