This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has been put under the spotlight following the release of over 23 tonnes of ginger oil imported from Vietnam, despite a warning from Port Health services questioning its safety.
According to documents seen by Nation, the Government Chemist released a report last week indicating that the ginger was dirty, moist, mouldy, and rotting.
The report further revealed that the ginger had an objectionable smell and appearance, with a moisture content of 14 percent, exceeding the maximum limit of 12 percent, thus not complying with the standards.
The ginger, imported by Fairoils EPZ Limited in Nairobi through container number EGSU50117342, was meant for extraction of oil. Sources now indicate that it has been released to its owners.
On August 8, the consignment arrived at the Mombasa port and was checked by health officials. The next day, samples were extracted and taken for testing at the Government Chemist, whose results were received on August 14.
Port Health officials ordered the seizure of the cargo in a letter to the Container Freight Station (CFS) on August 15.
Documents show that the Port Health officials asked the Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal (MIST) managers to hold onto the consignment as its content had been condemned and recommended for destruction.
“The said ginger had failed to comply with the standards and thereby condemned and recommended the same for destruction,” J. Kombo, the Public Health Officer at the Kilindini port, wrote in a letter.
It is understood that Kebs may have ignored the Port Health warning and issued a certificate of conformity, which allowed the importer to move the consignment from the CFS facility.
Kebs Corporate Communications Manager, Ms Phoebe Gituku, stated that the ginger had a certificate of conformity from the country of origin, indicating it was fit for use.
Kenya Revenue Authority Coast Regional Commissioner Nicholas Kinoti confirmed that the consignment was okayed for release by both Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) and Kebs on August 8, but refused to divulge further details.
During the Madaraka Day celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that only three cargo interveners — the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), and Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) — would be allowed to operate at the port.
The President further directed that imports with a certificate of conformity (CoC) should not be subjected to another verification unless there is evidence of non-compliance.
