Assessment of Cockroach Infestation Levels, Awareness and Control Practices of Vendors In Ready-To-Eat Food Premises In Kisumu City, Kisumu County, Kenya.

ABSTRACT: In the urban areas of the world, cockroaches constitute a public health threat in the ready-to-eat food premises because they spread diseases and contaminate food. Globally, food borne diseases transmitted by pests affect 600 million people annually with 48million in the USA. Developing countries have more cases but are underreported due to poor diagnostic facilities. In Botswana, more than 40% of cockroach population is in urban areas due to inadequate waste disposal and poor housing. In Kenya cockroach infestation is a neglected public health issue. Cockroaches are of significant epidemiological significance yet levels not known in Kisumu City. Assessing the level of cockroaches’ infestation, awareness and control practices helps in getting empirical data necessary for instituting effective control practices.

KEY WORDS: Cockroach Infestation level, awareness on cockroaches’ infestation, cockroaches control practices, ready-to-eat food premises.