Nairobi County has introduced strict measures to prevent the transport of meat in Probox vehicles, following concerns over health risks and a recent anthrax case.
County Chief Officer for Public Health Tom Nyakaba announced the directive on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during a sanitation inspection at Burma Market. The ban applies to all meat deliveries from county-managed and private abattoirs, aiming to ensure the safety of meat sold in city markets.
“To maintain health standards in meat facilities, we have banned Probox cars from carrying meat. 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,” Nyakaba said.
Nyakaba clarified that the restriction only affects meat transport. Probox vehicles are still allowed to carry passengers, but moving meat in them is strictly forbidden.
The county also announced that car wash operations outside slaughterhouses, including those at Burma Market, will be halted to reduce contamination risks.
The move comes as part of Nairobi County’s ongoing push to improve hygiene and safety in meat markets.
During the inspection, public health officers fumigated the market, cleaned meat facilities, conducted hygiene assessments, and met with market officials and traders to emphasize compliance with public health rules.
“Today we were at Burma Market to inspect meat facilities and ensure they meet the highest public health standards. As demand for meat rises during the festive season, it is our responsibility to maintain these standards,” Nyakaba said.
The exercise also aimed to prevent bacterial contamination and guarantee that all meat vendors hold valid licences. Nyakaba reminded traders to follow the Meat Control Act, which sets out clear procedures for handling, transporting, and storing meat.
“The Meat Act already provides standards on how to transport meat and the necessary processes. We encourage those in charge to do their best and ensure full adherence,” he added.
Governor Johnson Sakaja has approved the deployment of two public health officers to Burma Market to conduct continuous inspections, both day and night.
Authorities say these measures are critical to protecting public health, especially as meat consumption rises during the festive season. By banning Probox vehicles from transporting meat, Nairobi County is sending a strong signal about the importance of safe transport and proper hygiene across all city markets.
