The government has postponed the destruction of twenty containers of condemned rice which was part of assorted goods declared unfit for human consumption.
The exercise was to be conducted on Thursday, September 28 by several government agencies including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) at the Bamburi Cement Plant in Mombasa.
However, in a statement KEBS confirmed the cancellation of the destruction process citing logistical challenges.
“We will keep you posted on the new date and time that will be confirmed by KRA as the lead agency,” said KEBS.
Further, KEBS noted that inclusion of the four agencies was important to ensure that the entire process was conducted seamlessly and transparently.
Additionally, KEBS assured members of the public of its commitment to protect the health, safety and environment of its consumers and will ensure that all provisions of the relevant standards shall be implemented.
Unfit Rice
In a media invite on Wednesday, September 27, KRA noted that the rice was deemed unsafe for consumption and was to be destroyed through incineration.
“The consignment has been deemed unsafe for human consumption and this multi-agency initiative aims to professionally dispose of it through incineration in the cement kilns,” said KRA.
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Similar Incident
In a separate incident, KRA recently discovered a 40 feet container imported with alcoholic beverages which turned out to be empty after inspection.
The container is among other assorted goods that were lined up for destruction.
Others include tons of food stuff such as wheat, rice and juices which have been under the custody of the agencies since 2008.
In a gazette notice dated August 4, KRA Chief Manager for Port Operations Lucy Ng’ang’a notified the public that some goods were due for disposal through destruction within thirty days.
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“Pursuant to the provisions of section 42 and 248 of East Africa Community Customs Management Act, 2004, notice is given that under-mentioned goods which have been condemned shall within thirty (30) days of this notice be treated as abandoned and will be disposed of by destruction or otherwise disposed of in such manner as Commissioner may direct,” read the notice in part.
In a joint statement by KRA and KPA, it was resolved that the two agencies should develop a framework to destroy overstayed and condemned cargo.
The agreement gave the two parastatals the lead to appoint a working committee to oversee this process.
