On August 25, Political Analyst Mutahi Ngunyi subtly lamented over the unavailability of toilets for customers in Kenyan banks. Ngunyi went ahead to term the banks as the most indecent institutions in the country for denying customers this basic facility.
Nearly two months after his complaint, banks have now been ordered to ensure that lavatories are availed to clients free-of-charge.
The directive issued by the Director of Public Health Kepha Ombacho demanded that banks, supermarkets, all public and private institutions provide sanitation facilities to their clients.
“All supermarkets should have sanitation facilities accessible by clients. The ministry shall not allow management to charge clients because we are running away from open defecation,” Mr Ombacho was quoted by the Standard.
Mr Ombacho further warned that institution that would not comply with the regulation would be closed.
“Those that will not comply will be closed. Management should, therefore, decide on whether they are running sanitation business or selling products,” he said.
Ombacho further urged counties to ensure that sanitation facilities were readily available to locals in order to eliminate diseases attributed to poor sanitation.
“Counties should find mechanisms of preventing diseases and educate the public on preventive measures to diseases,” he added.
