The National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives has launched an urgent investigation into a controversial shipment of imported raw sugar valued at Sh1.5 billion, warning that the consignment could pose health risks if released into the local food market without proper safeguards.
The committee, chaired by Bernard Shinali, raised concerns after inspecting storage and handling facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi, where the 27,839 metric tonnes of sugar are currently being held.
According to lawmakers, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) previously flagged the shipment, noting that the sugar does not meet requirements for direct human consumption in its current form. Instead, it is classified as raw or industrial-grade sugar and must undergo extensive processing before it can safely enter the food supply chain.
MPs further raised alarm over serious gaps in documentation linked to the consignment. They noted that key details such as manufacturing dates, expiry dates, and the verified country of origin could not be independently confirmed, raising concerns about traceability and compliance with import regulations.
Lawmakers also warned of possible risks of diversion and illegal repackaging, cautioning that the unrefined sugar could be introduced into the local market without undergoing required processing standards. They argued that such practices would undermine food safety regulations and expose consumers to potential health hazards.
Of additional concern is the movement of a significant portion of the shipment. Parliament reported that approximately 6.4 million kilograms of the sugar had already been transported from Mombasa to the Nairobi Freight Terminal via rail. This movement has raised questions about how regulatory oversight was maintained during transit and storage.
The committee has since intensified scrutiny of the importation process, signaling possible further investigations into compliance procedures, clearance approvals, and enforcement gaps within relevant regulatory agencies.
Authorities are expected to determine whether proper procedures were followed before the sugar was cleared for movement and whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent unprocessed or unverified food imports from entering the consumer market.