Monday, April 3, 2023 –Two students at Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega County have succumbed to food poisoning-related outbreak.
Following the prevalence, County Government of Kakamega led by Governor Fernandes Barasa, today Monday April 3, announced an indefinite closure of the institution until when safety and health of learners will be guaranteed.
Apart from the two who have already died, our sources have told us that one student is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit ICU at the Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Education office from the area led by Jared Obiero who is the Western Regional Director of Education, said the decision to suspend school learning came after intensive consultations between the school, the Ministry of Education, and the county government of Kakamega.
In recent weeks, the school has made headlines after a large number of students were hospitalised with vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.
In late March, 72 students from the Kakamega County-based school were admitted to the Kakamega County General Hospital, with health officials suspecting a Cholera outbreak.
County public health officials, however, ruled out Cholera after tests revealed a possibility of food poisoning.
Their observation was picked up by area Senator, Boni Khalwale, who took issue with suppliers of the institution whom he claimed have been bringing in unhealthy cereals.
“Because of a desire to make sure their cereals are consumed, they use an unscrupulous chemical called Nova to preserve the cereal,” Senator Khalwale said.
Earlier, today Monday April 3, Governor Barasa together with his deputy Ayub Savula paid a visit to the Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital to check on the recuperating students.
