The Ministry of Health has issued an advisory to Kenyans as they head for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In an official notice released on December 21st, 2025, the Ministry urged Kenyans to prioritize health, safety and responsible behavior.

The ministry noted that an increase in traveling, social gatherings and a high rate of consumption is too risky to health if caution is not exercised.

“As Kenyans celebrate the Christmas festivities and usher in the New Year, the Ministry of Health urges the public to prioritize health, safety, and responsible behavior. Increased travel, social gatherings, and consumption during this period heighten the risk of preventable illnesses and injuries if caution is not exercised,” read the of part notice.

Ministry Highlights Possible Diseases During Festive Season

Furthermore, the Ministry also reminded Kenyans that food-borne illness rise sharply during the festive season.

Therefore, Kenyans are advised to purchase food items only from licensed and inspected premises to avoid consumption of harmful foods.

“We advise Kenyans to purchase meat, meat products, poultry, and processed foods only from licensed and inspected premises and to avoid consumption of uninspected meat. All food should be thoroughly cooked and consumed hot, with strict separation of raw and cooked foods to prevent contamination,” read part notice.

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Steps to Follow in Maintaining Proper Hygiene

According to the Ministry, the public should observe proper hand hygiene, clean food preparation surfaces, safe treated water for cooking and drinking, and careful handling of leftovers, which must be reheated until steaming hot.

In addition, food handlers and hospitality establishments must ensure that only medically certified food handlers prepare and serve food and that food safety standards are fully upheld.

Ministry Sends a Stern Warning to Kenyans

They noted that excessive alcohol, tobacco among other illegal drugs are harmful to health of a person.

At the same time, the Ministry urged parents, guardians and community leaders to actively protect children and young people from exposure to drugs and substance abuse.

“The Ministry further warns against increased alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and other substance use during the festive season. We urge the public to consume alcohol responsibly or abstain entirely and strongly caution against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Ministry asserted.

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What the Ministry Will Do to Control the Situation 

The Ministry will work together with enforcement agencies to conduct surveillance to prevent illicit substances from accessing the Kenyan market and will take firm action against offenders.

Additionally, they urged the public to uplift high level of sexual discipline to avoid sexually transmitted infections.

“The Ministry also cautions against risky sexual behavior during the festive season, which increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and unintended pregnancies,” read part notice.

Therefore, that public should make informed decisions, avoid sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use condoms and seek timely testing, counseling, and treatment services where necessary.

The Ministry of Health public notice to the public cautioning them ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations. PHOTO/MoH X