Concerns As “Smocha” Trolleys Found Stored in Public Toilets Along Thika Road

A recent food safety crackdown in Nairobi has revealed a disturbing practice involving street food vendors. Authorities discovered smocha trolleys stored in public toilets along Thika Road, raising serious concerns about public health. Smocha is a popular Kenyan street food, a mix of smokies, wrapped in chapati.

Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, made the shocking discovery during a Wednesday night inspection. The bust followed a tip-off from concerned residents worried about the unhygienic conditions surrounding the storage of these food trolleys. According to Geoffrey, the conditions posed severe health risks.

“The hygiene standards we observed here are alarming,” Mosiria said. “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 the spread of foodborne illnesses.”

Vendors Using Public Toilets as Storage for Smocha Trolleys

Geoffrey’s investigation found that vendors often stored smocha trolleys overnight in these unsanitary locations. The public toilets, located along Thika Road, have become makeshift storage spaces for these mobile food vendors, particularly during late-night operations. This discovery came just weeks after similar findings in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), where trolleys were found stored in back alleys and poorly ventilated rooms.

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Mosiria questioned the toilet’s manager during the inspection, asking why she allowed this practice. He emphasized that storing food in such conditions could not be tolerated.

Smocha has gained popularity across Kenyan cities, thanks to its affordability and quick preparation. Commuters, students, and night-shift workers often rely on these street foods for a quick snack.
Geoffrey and other authorities are now cracking down on these unsanitary practices, urging consumers to be cautious about where they purchase street food. Vendors, on the other hand, are being encouraged to adopt proper hygiene practices and store their trolleys in clean environments.