SIAYA health officials will not re-open a hotel which was last week closed down because of its unhygienic conditions. Siaya deputy public health officer Odera Wayayi, the hotel has yet to comply with the health requirements, submitted in a report given to the management.

"We are yet to be called to re-inspect the facility for its approval and as things stands, the hotel remains closed," added Wayayi. The move comes after more than 200 health workers suffered diarrhoea after having a eating at the hotel. Villa Hotel which is being managed by Siaya Institute of Technology was ordered closed by the ministry of public health after the health officials who were attending a seminar at the hotel developed stomach problems.

Top medical personnel, who were in a workshop at the facility suffered acute diarrhoea and stomach ache after eating at the facility. The management of the was ordered to close business immediately after a team of public health officials inspected it and found a myriad of shortcomings.

In a report compiled by Wayayi on behalf of the district public health officer, the hotel's kitchen was found to be untidy with food preparation equipment greasy and dirty, same as the kitchen floor and tables. The report further faulted the management of engaging staff without valid medical certificates and entrusting them with food preparations contrary to public health requirement.

The management was ordered to ensure that all its workers obtain valid medical certificates and that it puts in place proper waste water disposal measures in place and improves on the kitchen and storage facilities before applying for re-inspection by the public health department.

Siaya district public health officer Chanzu Mable said her office had acted following complaints from most participants of severe stomach-ache and diarrhoea after eating in the hotel. "Everybody complained of severe stomach problems after feasting at the hotel where we had a seminar," she added.

She warned the management of the Villa hotel to heed the public health notice to close down and undertake the recommended repairs or risk being hauled before a court of law.

Chanzu said her department had embarked on an inspection of all hotels and restaurants in the area with a view of having them maintain the required public health standards.

Meanwhile, the Nyanza provincial health office has written to the management of the hotel, complaining of poor service that resulted to the participants ending up seeking medical treatment. In a letter signed by the provincial health administration officer Japheth Omwenga, the office threatened not to pay for the services. However, Siaya institute of technology Principal Charles Akach when contacted said the closure was stage managed to the advantage of the local politicians.