Homa Bay mokwa maize flour is safe – Kebs assures public

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has assured members of the public that Mokwa, a sifted maize meal produced in Homa Bay is safe.

A section of the media, on Thursday, reported that the maize milled at Kigoto Maize Milling Plant in Suba South constituency had excess content of aflatoxin.

Lake region Kebs manager Andrew Maiyo dismissed the reports saying it was not true and they have established that the maize flour meets all safety specifications by the agency.

He said they had initially sent its official to the milling plant for inspection before production and the result they got was that much of the Mokwa maize flour was good for consumption.

The results released indicated that only 36 bales of flour were not good for human consumption as they contained high levels of aflatoxin.

Maiyo clarified that the substandard flour would be destroyed as the factory is allowed to continue with production.

“Let members of the public understand that Kebs has a scheme of control to ensure they don’t get exposed to dangerous products. The Mokwa flour is safer contrary to the reports doing around,” Maiyo said. 

Addressing the press in Homa Bay town on Friday, the Kebs manager said their officers will regularly visit the industry to undertake sample tests to prevent it from milling unsafe maize and safeguard members of the public. 

“Reports have also indicated that the batch which had aflatoxin was not consumed by members of the public. It was used to test a new production system,” he said.

Kebs took samples of the flour on August 28 for a test and found the quality of the sample to be substandard.

 It gave its response on September 13 which showed that the 36 bales were substandard.

Maiyo said subsequent samples have been collected from the factory and it indicates that the flour is safe.

 “The plant is currently producing products that are safe for human consumption. It should also be known that the factory was certified to produce maize flour,” Maiyo said.

The Kebs officer led his team to Homa Bay and they were hosted by Governor Gladys Wanga.

 The governor said her administration has taken a bold step to promote industrialisation and create jobs for the people of the county.

She said products should have value addition and one of the first steps the county government is undertaking is to ensure the Kigoto Maize milling plant operates and offers a market for maize farmers.

“The factory has a certification from Kebs and regular monitoring is undertaken to ensure it operates within the law. Kebs reports are helping us to make internal improvements,” Wanga said.

According to the governor, some firms have their products fail to meet quality standards but recommendations from agencies like Kebs help them to make corrections and continue with production.

“We have also taken necessary action after the 36 bales were found to have a high content of aflatoxin. Subsequent products are good and Mokwa has passed the test,” she said.

 Wanga said they will not be deterred from making Homa Bay an industrialised county.

“We’re establishing several industries at the industrial park in Riwa,” she added.