The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has denied allegations by opposition leaders that a large consignment of contaminated sugar has been released into the local market, terming the reports “false, misleading and unnecessarily alarming.”
The claims, made during a press briefing by leaders of the opposition coalition, suggested that over 25,000 metric tonnes of condemned sugar declared unfit for human consumption in 2018 had found their way back into circulation through illegal repackaging and distribution.
KEBS, the government agency mandated with setting and enforcing product quality standards, has denied any involvement in the clearance or release of such sugar, and reassured Kenyans that the bureau has not compromised on its protocols regarding food safety.
“The Kenya Bureau of Standards wishes to categorically state that no sugar that fails to meet the laid-down quality and safety requirements has been released into the market,” KEBS said in its press release.
“All sugar, whether locally manufactured or imported, must undergo mandatory inspection, laboratory testing, and product certification before it is cleared for distribution to Kenyan consumers.”
On Thursday, opposition leaders led by by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua, and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa alleged that a previously impounded consignment of sugar, believed to be unfit for human consumption, was being repackaged in Western Kenya after being cleared at the Port of Mombasa under suspicious circumstances.
According to Kalonzo, the sugar in question was originally impounded in 2018 after failing safety tests, but had since resurfaced without public knowledge or transparency. He further claimed that the repackaged sugar was being sold within the country, endangering the lives of millions.
“We are demanding immediate answers,” Kalonzo said. “Who authorised the clearance of this sugar? Who owns it? How did condemned sugar that was meant for destruction in 2018 suddenly become safe in 2025? This is a serious threat to public health.”
Karua echoed his sentiments, accusing key government agencies, including KEBS and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), of failing in their duty to protect Kenyans. She called for a full-scale parliamentary inquiry and the suspension of senior officials until the matter is thoroughly investigated.
“The lives of Kenyans are not disposable,” Karua said. “We cannot allow this to be swept under the rug. If this sugar is truly in circulation, it means someone high up facilitated its entry.”
In its rebuttal, KEBS urged the public to “ignore sensationalised and unverified information circulated on social media or by parties with unclear agendas”.
“Our technical officers are deployed across all entry points and warehouses to ensure products do not bypass the required quality control systems,” KEBS stated.
Meanwhile, industry players and consumer rights groups have urged the government to release a comprehensive audit of all sugar imports and distributions over the past twelve months.
Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) Secretary-General Stephen Mutoro urged the government to conduct a forensic trace of the sugar consignment mentioned by the opposition, while also calling on the Ministry of Health to independently sample sugar in retail outlets.
“We cannot rely on press statements alone,” Mutoro said. “If there is any chance that contaminated sugar is being consumed in homes, schools, and hospitals, the government must act urgently. A swift, science-based verification process is needed.”
In Parliament, MPs from both sides of the divide are expected to raise the issue next week as pressure mounts for answers. Alego Usonga MP, Samuel Atandi, has already filed a notice of motion seeking the formation of a special committee to investigate the matter.
As of Friday morning, neither the KRA nor the Ministry of Trade and Industry had issued an official response, though sources suggest that internal inquiries are underway.
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