This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On May 2018, a multi-agency team seized 58 containers of edible oils at the Mombasa Port, suspecting they were unfit for consumption due to low or excessive levels of vitamin A.
The Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua, is said to have directed the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) to release the consignment to John Mburu Gichuhi, the importer trading as Master Freighters Ltd.
Despite Kebs' test showing that 10 containers did not comply with the set standards of 20-40 mg/kg vitamin A, with some containing as high as 69mg/kg, the entire consignment was released.
Anything above 40mg/kg of vitamin A is considered detrimental and can cause death.
According to a letter tabled before the National Assembly Trade committee, the officer argued that the continued detention of the cargo was depicting the government negatively among its people.
However, MPs queried why Kebs ignored the Ministry of Health's advice against refortification, which would have been in contravention of public health principles.
“We can conclude that the release was not in the interest of Kenyans but for commercial interest, with the intent of harming the consumers,” said Wilberforce Oundo of Funyula.
“Are we living in a situation where commercial interests supersede the health of Kenyans?” Aldai MP Cornelly Serem asked.
The President has warned those in trouble with agencies against reaching out to state officers to intervene in their cases.
