Nairobi County Bans Probox Cars from Transporting Meat After Anthrax Scare
Nairobi County has imposed an immediate ban on the use of Probox vehicles to transport meat into city markets, citing public health concerns and a recent incident involving suspected anthrax contamination.
The directive was issued on Thursday, November 13, 2025, by County Chief Officer for Public Health Tom Nyakaba during a large-scale sanitation and compliance inspection at the busy Burma Market. The move forms part of a broader clampdown on unhygienic practices within the city’s meat supply chain.
Mr Nyakaba said the ban applies to all meat deliveries—whether sourced within Nairobi County or from external abattoirs—and insisted that only approved vehicles will be permitted to transport meat into the capital’s markets.
“To maintain health standards in meat facilities, we have banned Probox cars from carrying meat,” he announced. “Any approved vehicle should have an identification number that can be traced back to the market. This will help prevent cases like the one we had last week involving anthrax.”
County officials recently battled a suspected anthrax case linked to the improper handling and transportation of meat, prompting concerns over widespread non-compliance with the Meat Control Act.
Mr Nyakaba stressed that the restriction does not extend to passenger transport. “Probox vehicles are free to continue carrying passengers, but they are no longer permitted to transport meat under any circumstances,” he said.
The county further confirmed that car wash operations outside slaughterhouses—particularly those adjacent to Burma Market—have also been outlawed. Officials say such activities often contribute to contamination risks around meat-handling zones.
During Thursday’s operation, public health officers carried out market-wide fumigation, deep cleaning, and hygiene inspections. The team also held meetings with traders and the market committee to reinforce strict adherence to established health regulations.
“Today we were at Burma Market to inspect meat facilities and ensure they meet the highest public health standards,” Mr Nyakaba explained. “As demand for meat rises during the festive season, it is our responsibility to maintain these standards.”
The crackdown forms part of Nairobi’s ongoing effort to bolster food safety, reduce bacterial contamination, and ensure all vendors hold valid trading licences. Nyakaba urged traders to familiarise themselves with the Meat Control Act, saying it sets clear guidelines on how meat should be handled, transported, and stored.
“The Meat Act already provides standards on how to transport meat and the necessary processes,” he said. “We encourage those in charge to do their best and ensure full adherence.”
County officials confirmed that Governor Johnson Sakaja has approved the deployment of two additional public health officers to Burma Market to oversee round-the-clock inspections. The officers will monitor compliance and respond swiftly to any emerging sanitation concerns.
Authorities say the newly announced measures are designed to protect consumers and prevent further outbreaks of diseases linked to poor handling practices—especially during the peak festive season, when meat demand traditionally surges.
The ban on Probox vehicles, officials argue, marks a decisive step toward restoring confidence in Nairobi’s meat markets and ensuring that all suppliers meet the city’s required hygiene standards.
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Nairobi County Bans Probox Cars from Transporting Meat After Anthrax Scare