Written By Lisa Murimi
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has flagged a 2-million-kilogram rice consignment as unfit for human consumption due to high levels of aflatoxin.
Despite failing safety tests, the rice was repackaged and redistributed, exposing Kenyans to yet another poisonous commodity.
According to KEBS, the rice, imported from Pakistan in September and October, failed aflatoxin tests and was initially held at the Kilindini port in Mombasa.
However, documents reveal that 83,000 bags of the contaminated rice were transported to Nairobi, repacked, and sold through wholesale and retail outlets.
KEBS initiated a crackdown, managing to confiscate only 23,000 kilograms of the unsafe rice from the Central Business Park in Nairobi’s industrial area.
This incident echoes a similar case three months ago when 32 million liters of substandard cooking oil entered the market despite failing KEBS tests.
KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari told Parliament that the cooking oil was illegally released by the Kenya National Trade Corporation, compromising public health.
“These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards,” Ngari stated.
Public outcry grows as Kenyans demand accountability from both importers and regulatory bodies to prevent further health risks.
