Nairobi – The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has dismissed allegations that a consignment of contaminated sugar was cleared for sale in the market, clarifying that the claims are “false and misleading.” In a public statement issued on Wednesday the Kenya Bureau of Standards clarified on the widespread claims shared online and amplified by opposition leaders. KEBS maintained that no sugar deemed unfit for consumption had entered the local supply chain.
“Our attention has been drawn to statements circulating in the public domain alleging that contaminated sugar is circulating in the market,” the KEBS cited in a formal statement “Both locally produced and imported sugar undergo mandatory and rigorous inspection, testing, and certification before being released to the market.”
The agency urged the public to disregard any information that has not been independently verified. “We advise Kenyans to ignore unverified and alarming reports circulating in social media and other platforms,” KEBS clarified.
KEBS reaffirmed its ethical role in enforcing quality product standards, assuring Kenyans that all goods entering the market go through strict quality checks. “Our systems are in place to ensure only safe products reach consumers. There has been no release of contaminated sugar into the market,” KEBS reaffirmed.
This latest controversy comes against the backdrop of public sensitivity to food safety, following past scandals involving substandard or harmful goods.
While the opposition’s claims have stirred outrage and concern, no independent evidence has been presented to confirm that the alleged sugar consignment was toxic or cleared without inspection.
KEBS did not confirm whether the consignment referenced in the opposition’s claims had arrived at the Port of Mombasa or whether testing had been conducted on it specifically. However, the agency emphasized that its inspectors remain active at all key points of entry, including ports, to prevent unfit goods from entering circulation.
As political pressure mounts and public concern grows, KEBS has reiterated its readiness to investigate any credible complaints while maintaining its stance that current claims are unsupported.
The statement follows accusations made by opposition figures Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, who alleged that 25,000 metric tonnes of tainted sugar had been shipped into the country and was already en route to Western Kenya for repackaging and distribution.
According to the two, the sugar shipment had previously been flagged as unsuitable for consumption at its port of origin. They claimed the consignment was secretly cleared by the Kenya Kwanza administration without notifying the public.
“This is not only illegal and unconstitutional it is criminal,” opposition said in a joint statement, demanding the sugar be publicly destroyed and calling for a full investigation into government involvement.
They also alleged that the clearance of the sugar points to deeper structural corruption, accusing the government of using “Special Purpose Vehicles” (SPVs) to mask illicit deals.
About the Author
