KEBS approves Mokwa maize flour produced in Homa Bay

The maize flour elicited controversy a few days ago after KEBS released a report revealing that a sample of the maize flour tested contained aflatoxin which is harmful to humans.

According to the report, the sample was collected for a test on August 28, 2023.

KEBS Lake Regional Manager Andrew Maiyo clarified that the maize flour indicated the aflatoxin was taken from 36 bales which were meant for testing the machine for a new production system.

Addressing journalists when he was accompanied by Governor Gladys Wanga at the county headquarters, Maiyo said KEBS instructed the county government to ensure the maize used in the plant met the required standards.

"The Kigoto plant is one of the mills within our jurisdiction which produces a brand of maize called Mokwa which is fully certified by KEBS. Regarding the press report stating that the mill is in danger, we want to assure the public that KEBS has a scheme of supervision and control to ensure the public is not exposed to dangerous products," Maiyo explained.

"We indeed found a high level of aflatoxins in a batch of 36 bales of maize flour in the plant and it has been explained by the country that this maize was part of a batch used to test the new production system.'

He said the Bureau has taken the steps to condemn it and would soon liase with county officials to destroy that batch of 36 bales.

Wanga on her part said her administration took quick corrective measures to rectify the hitches noticed in the 36 bales whose sample was tested.

She assured residents that the flour produced by the company is safe.

"Before the Kigoto factory was opened, we had the certification of KEBS. KEBS has done regular monitoring which it does with every other industry in the country and whenever it releases a report, it is for internal improvement," she noted.

"KEBS has tested our maize and they have given us a report that it has passed. We will not be deterred on our path towards industrialization."