At least 68 students from St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Mbeere South, Embu County, have been hospitalised after consuming suspected contaminated beef. The affected students, all in Form Four, developed severe stomach pains and diarrhoea shortly after their meal, prompting an urgent medical response.
Concerned teachers and staff rushed them to a Level 3 hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Five students in critical condition were transferred to Embu Level 5 Hospital for further medical attention. Speaking to journalists, school principal Paul Mwaniki confirmed that only Form Four students who had consumed beef from the cow’s head were affected. Other students who ate regular beef showed no symptoms.
Mwaniki speculated that the contamination may have occurred during the preparation of the cow head meat. However, he assured parents and the school community that there was no cause for panic, as medical teams had swiftly intervened. He further noted that preliminary reports pointed to contamination, but samples had been taken for further testing to confirm the exact source.
Embu County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health echoed Mwaniki’s sentiments, confirming that all hospitalised students were stable and had been discharged back to school. He reassured parents that no fatalities had been reported and that medical teams were closely monitoring the situation. “We are working closely with the school and health experts to ensure such an incident does not happen again,” he added.
Meanwhile, county health officers have launched an investigation into the incident. They are examining the school’s food storage, preparation methods, and the supplier of the meat to determine whether negligence played a role in the contamination.
As the affected students continue to recover, education officials and health experts are urging all schools to enforce strict food safety measures.
The Ministry of Health has also acknowledged receiving a report on the incident and is working closely with the county government of Embu to address the situation.
“The general public, parents, and students are assured that the situation is under control, and there should be no panic. The affected students have received the necessary medical attention and are out of danger,” said Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, in a statement.
She advised schools to strictly adhere to Kenya’s school meals, food safety, and quality guidelines while implementing high hygiene and sanitation standards in food handling areas.
Additionally, she urged school heads to prioritise student health and safety by ensuring robust food safety protocols and maintaining a clean and hygienic learning environment.
