'Smocha' trolleys found in public toilets along Thika Road

"Smocha" as colloquially known, is a renowned Kenyan street food comprising Smokies, kebabs and boiled eggs wrapped in a chapati bread.

Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria made the bust on Wednesday night following a tip-off from members of the public raising concerns on potential health risks due to the unsanitary conditions the trolleys are being stored.

This shocking discovery has raised serious public health concerns, prompting authorities to take immediate action, promising to bring those responsible to account.

 ‘‘I want to thank the person who discreetly reported the disturbing practice of storing food trolleys and other foodstuffs in a public toilet along Thika road, specifically at the KEHNA toilets.’’ wrote Geoffrey on his X page.

Geoffrey questioned the toilet's manager why she allowed the vendors to store their trolleys in an unsanitary place, noting that it should never be condoned.

"The hygiene standards we observed here are alarming," he 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."

The vendors, who often operate late into the night, reportedly use the spaces to store their trolleys overnight.

This comes after a few weeks when Geoffrey, alongside city council officers, discovered several trolleys hidden in back alleys and inside poorly ventilated storerooms within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

The vendors had been using public toilets as makeshift storage, leading to similar concerns about food safety and hygiene

Trolley vending foods have become immensely popular across Kenyan cities, known for their affordability and convenience, snacks like "smocha" are favoured by commuters, students, and late-night workers looking for a quick and cheap bite.

However, the rising demand for these street foods has also brought to light issues around hygiene and food safety, especially in densely populated areas where proper storage facilities are limited.

Authorities are now taking steps to address these concerns, as consumers have been urged to be vigilant and mindful of where they purchase street food, while vendors are encouraged to prioritize cleanliness to avoid such risks.