Nairobi County has officially banned Probox vehicles from transporting meat, citing concerns over public health and the spread of diseases such as anthrax. The directive, issued on Thursday by County Chief Officer for Public Health Tom Nyakaba, aims to improve hygiene standards in meat markets ahead of the festive season.
Speaking during a citywide market cleaning exercise at Burma Market, Nyakaba emphasized that only approved vehicles with traceable identification numbers will be allowed to transport meat. “To maintain health standards in meat facilities, we have banned Probox cars from carrying meat. Approved vehicles should have an identification number linked to the market. This measure helps prevent cases like the recent anthrax incident,” he said.
Nyakaba clarified that while Probox vehicles can continue to carry passengers, they are strictly prohibited from transporting meat under any circumstances. Additionally, car wash operations outside slaughterhouses, such as those at Burma Market, will no longer be permitted.
During the same exercise, Nairobi County Public Health officers carried out fumigation and sanitation of the market to prevent bacterial contamination. Nyakaba led inspections of meat stalls, checking hygiene practices and ensuring all vendors hold valid licenses. He also met with the market committee and traders to reinforce compliance with public health regulations.
“Today we inspected meat facilities to ensure they meet the highest public health standards. As demand for meat rises during the festive season, it is our responsibility to maintain these standards,” Nyakaba stated.
The county reminded traders that the Meat Control Act provides clear guidelines on the handling, transporting, and storing of meat, urging full compliance. Governor Johnson Sakaja has also ordered the deployment of two public health officers at Burma Market to carry out round-the-clock inspections, ensuring that hygiene and licensing standards are consistently met.
This move is part of Nairobi County’s ongoing effort to safeguard public health and ensure that meat sold across city markets is handled and transported safely.
