KEBS dismisses claims of contaminated sugar in Kenyan market  

KENYA – The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has dismissed allegations circulating in the public domain suggesting that toxic sugar has been cleared for distribution in the country.  

The regulatory body termed the claims as “false and misleading,” assuring Kenyans that stringent inspection procedures are followed before any sugar enters the market. 

In a public statement issued on Tuesday, KEBS emphasized that all sugar—whether imported or locally produced—undergoes comprehensive inspection, testing, and certification processes before being released into circulation. 

“Our attention has been drawn to statements circulating in the public domain alleging that contaminated sugar is circulating in the Kenyan market,” KEBS stated. “Both locally produced and imported sugar undergo mandatory and rigorous inspection, testing, and certification before being released to the market.” 

The clarification comes amid claims from opposition leader and Wiper party head Kalonzo Musyoka, who alleged that 25,000 metric tonnes of unfit sugar had landed at the Port of Mombasa and was being transported to a factory in Western Kenya for repackaging and distribution.  

According to Kalonzo, the cargo had been flagged as unfit for human consumption at its origin, yet was allegedly cleared by local authorities. 

“We are aware of a cargo of 25,000MT of sugar that recently landed in our Port of Mombasa. These 25,000 MT of sugar are already on their way to a Western Kenya sugar factory to be repackaged and sold to unsuspecting Kenyans,” Kalonzo claimed. 

KEBS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health, urging citizens to disregard unverified reports, particularly those spread on social media platforms. 

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise in the sugar sector as sugarcane farmers call on the government to release KES 300 million (US$2.3 million) in pending payments owed by South Nyanza (Sony) Sugar Company.  

The debt, accrued between October 2024 and April 2025 under previous management, has left many growers facing financial hardship. 

Charles Atiang’a, national chairman of the Kenya Association of Sugarcane and Allied Products, emphasized the urgency of the payments, highlighting their impact on farmers’ livelihoods. 

Additionally, the government recently announced an increase in the minimum sugarcane price to KES 5,750 (US$44.50) per tonne, up from KES 5,500 in May.  

This marks a cumulative 9.5% rise since April, following the introduction of a 4% Sugar Levy applicable to both local and imported sugar. 

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