KENYANS have been cautioned to be Extra Careful on What They Consume Especially during this Festive Season when Meat, Food and Drinks are in Plenty.

The Ministry of Health has Cautioned Kenyans against consumption of uninspected meat during the festivities.

In an advisory issued on Monday, December 23, the Ministry urged Kenyans to avoid eating meat sources from dead animals given the health risks.

On the other hand, Kenyans were advised to separate raw and cooked food to avoid contamination.

"Avoid eating meat that has not been inspected by certified officers or sourced from dead animals. Keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent contamination, and use clean, treated, or boiled water for cooking and drinking," read the advisory in part.

"Wash hands frequently with soap and running water, and ensure all food is cooked thoroughly and served hot. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat them properly before consuming."

The Ministry also projected increased activities near water bodies during the festive season, further cautioning Kenyans about water safety.

For instance, the government cautioned against engaging in swimming while under the influence.

Parents were also advised to be vigilant while taking their children for swimming activities.

"Balance your social commitments to avoid stress, and ensure you get sufficient rest, with at least eight hours of sleep daily. Stay physically active and avoid excessive alcohol consumption or smoking," the Ministry added.

"Respect others' choices regarding alcohol, and stay connected with family and friends to nurture emotional well-being."

In othe News, Kenya Police is partnering with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other stakeholders to sensitise motorists and passengers on road safety during the festive season.

Traffic Commandant from the Traffic Headquarters, Mrs. Grace Kaikai, said the exercise targets motorists and passengers on major roads to enforce safety measures and traffic laws, ensuring safe travel during the season, which is known to experience the highest number of road accidents in Kenya.

The initiative also focuses on educating boda boda riders on the awareness of traffic rules and regulations, as this vital part of the transport system contributes to the increasing road carnage in the country.

The Usalama Barabarani initiative aims to ensure compliance with traffic laws for safer travel for thousands of Kenyans across the country. Nakuru County has set aside three million shillings in the budget for driver sensitisation programmes, including boda boda operators.

The County Road Safety Committee has been at the forefront of promoting road safety, especially along the Northern Corridor, which has immensely contributed to the number of road accidents in the country.

NTSA estimates that more than 3,000 Kenyans die from road accidents every year—costing the country anywhere between 3-5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 83 per cent of the fatalities were men, with individuals aged between 30-34 years being most at risk, thus robbing the country of a very productive age bracket. But the World Health Organisation (WHO) puts the figures at much higher.

The majority of the people who die in these accidents are vulnerable road users—pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists. Nearly one-third of deaths are among passengers, many of whom are killed in unsafe forms of public transportation.

The sensitisation move comes as the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) announced alternative routes for motorists travelling to Western Kenya this season to reduce congestion on the Northern Corridor, which is a gateway to the region and beyond, all the way to the landlocked countries of Eastern and Southern Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.

Kenyans have been urged to remain vigilant during the festive season and exercise caution to avoid accidents and falling victim to criminals on the prowl during the period.

The Interior Ministry has also outlined key security concerns with petty offences like pickpocketing and muggings expected to increase, especially in crowded areas like markets, shopping malls, and public transport centres.