Fresh details have emerged over Kenya’s toxic sugar scandal, exposing what investigators describe as a serious breakdown in regulatory oversight that allegedly enabled industrial-grade raw sugar to enter the country’s consumer supply chain.
According to findings highlighted in a parliamentary probe, the controversy centres on decisions made within the Kenya Sugar Board’s management structure during a period when the board reportedly lacked the legal authority to approve import licences.
Investigators found that in 2024, import approvals were allegedly issued despite the board operating without the quorum required under the law. Under the Statutory Instruments Act, licensing powers are reserved for a properly constituted board, but officials claim executive management proceeded with approvals while only a limited number of members remained in office.
The disputed approvals paved the way for the importation of 26,220 bags of industrial raw sugar associated with Mombasa Sugar Refineries.
Questions have also emerged over how the consignment moved through the distribution system. The shipment reportedly travelled from storage facilities in Mombasa to Nairobi using the Standard Gauge Railway before concerns were raised over its eventual entry into local processing and packaging channels.
The revelations have intensified scrutiny over regulatory safeguards designed to protect consumers and ensure imported food products meet required standards.
Lawmakers are now expected to pursue accountability measures while authorities face mounting pressure to strengthen oversight mechanisms and prevent future breaches within the sugar importation process.
Source Attributed: Nation Newspaper