Sixty students from Kalyet Secondary School in Kipkelion, Kericho County, have been hospitalized at Londiani Hospital following a suspected case of food poisoning.
The incident occurred after the students reportedly consumed githeri, a traditional Kenyan dish made of maize and beans, which is believed to have been contaminated.
According to Dr. Collins Kipkoech, the hospital superintendent, the students began experiencing symptoms such as severe stomachaches, diarrhea, and vomiting early in the morning, prompting the school to rush them to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Dr. Kipkoech explained that the symptoms presented by the students—particularly the combination of diarrhea and vomiting—are strong indicators of food poisoning.
Medical teams at the hospital worked swiftly to stabilize the affected students, most of whom are now in stable condition and may be discharged soon.
However, some students will remain under close observation for further monitoring to ensure their full recovery.
The exact cause of the contamination is still under investigation, and samples of the food consumed by the students have been sent for laboratory testing to determine the source of the issue.
Authorities are also looking into the food preparation and storage practices at the school to identify any lapses that may have contributed to the incident.
The school administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter, leaving parents and the local community anxious for more information.
This incident has raised concerns about food safety standards in schools, particularly in boarding institutions where students rely on meals provided by the school.
Food poisoning cases in schools are not uncommon in Kenya, often attributed to poor hygiene, improper food handling, or contaminated water supplies. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent food safety protocols in educational institutions to protect the health and well-being of students.
Local education officials and health authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and provide recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In the meantime, parents and guardians have been urged to remain calm as the hospital continues to provide the necessary care to the affected students. The community is hopeful that the students will make a full recovery and that measures will be put in place to ensure such an incident does not happen again.
