Yikes! Nairobi matatus infested with bedbugs
Bedbugs remain the biggest threat to residents of Nairobi County, according to the chairperson of the Health Committee, Mr Maurice Ochieng.
According to Mr Ochieng, who represents Mountain residents in the Nairobi County Assembly, bedbugs have now infested several matatus operating in the city.
Addressing the media at City Hall on Tuesday, Mr Ochieng said the committee has been receiving complaints from residents about the bedbugs, some of whom have even sent photos of the infested seats.
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The committee is now appealing to matatu saccos and owners whose vehicles ply the Nairobi routes to fumigate their vehicles or face action.
“There is a lot of outcry. We are urging Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) operating in Nairobi County to move fast to ensure that they fumigate their vehicles because there are a lot of bedbugs in these vehicles,” said Mr Ochieng.
He said the health committee will ensure that the level of hygiene and health is maintained in Nairobi County.
Similar reports have been made in some schools in Nairobi, and the committee has promised to visit such schools soon to make their observation.
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Mr Ochieng has asked the County Government, under Governor Johnson Sakaja, to take action against school heads who are putting the health of their students at risks by compromising the level of hygiene.
The committee also noted that there have been complaints of rodents from customers in hotels with the county. Cockroaches have also been highlighted as a nuisance to Nairobi residents in hotels.
“We are giving a notice to hotel owners. You will be arrested and taken to court if we find that you don’t have a certificate from the county and your premise has not been fumigated.”
County Executive Secretary member in charge of health Ms Susan Silantoi has been asked to ensure that all restaurants within the county are free of rodents and cockroaches.
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