A recent food safety inspection uncovered “smocha” trolleys being stored in public restrooms along Thika Road.

Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, made the discovery on Wednesday night after receiving a tip-off from concerned citizens about potential health risks arising from the unsanitary storage of the trolleys.

The alarming find has sparked significant public health concerns, leading authorities to take swift action and vow to hold those responsible accountable.

“I want to thank the individual who discreetly reported the disturbing practice of storing food trolleys and other food items in a public toilet along Thika Road, specifically at the KEHNA toilets,” Geoffrey wrote on his X page.

He questioned the toilet manager about why vendors were allowed to store their trolleys in such an unsanitary environment, stressing that this should never be tolerated.

“The hygiene standards we observed here are alarming,” he remarked. “Food meant for human consumption should never be stored in such conditions. The risk of contamination is extremely high, and this practice could lead to foodborne illnesses.”

The vendors, who often operate late into the night, are reportedly using the public toilets to store their trolleys overnight.

This follows an incident a few weeks ago when Geoffrey, along with city council officers, uncovered several trolleys hidden in back alleys and poorly ventilated storerooms within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

Vendors had been using public toilets as improvised storage spaces, raising similar concerns about hygiene and food safety.

Smocha

“Smocha,” as it’s commonly known, is a popular Kenyan street food made up of Smokies, kebabs, and boiled eggs wrapped in chapati.

Trolley-vended foods have gained widespread popularity in Kenyan cities due to their affordability and convenience.

Snacks like “smocha” are especially favored by commuters, students, and late-night workers seeking a quick, inexpensive meal.

However, the growing demand for these street foods has highlighted issues of hygiene and food safety, particularly in densely populated areas where proper storage facilities are scarce.

Authorities are now taking action to address these concerns, urging consumers to be cautious and aware of where they buy street food. Vendors are also being encouraged to prioritize hygiene to prevent such risks.

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