The government plans to test the 10,000 tonnes of maize in a ship that docked at the Mombasa port to confirm its suitability before releasing it to the public.
This assurance by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) comes following concerns that the maize may be contaminated. Thus, unfit for human or animal consumption.
The MV African Merlin Voy:01/22 docked at the port of Mombasa on November 21, 2022, carrying tonnes of maize donated to Kenya to help deal with the hunger crisis.
Moreover, the maize is said to be heavily infested with weevils and is contaminated with aflatoxin, making it unfit for human or animal consumption.
Details of the origin of the maize were initially insubstantial. However, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) Communications manager Catherine Muraguri told the local media that the maize had come from Mozambique.
She did not confirm whether the maize is safe for human consumption.
“It is not us (Kephis) who handle the human health function. That is a function of other relevant government agencies, we at Kephis only deal with pests and diseases.” said Ms Muraguri.
Also Read: Ship That Docked in Mombasa Was from Mozambique
Moreover, research shows that Aflatoxin is caused by high moisture content in stored cereals. Likewise, cereals can acquire moisture in the high seas during transportation.
Furthermore, it is not yet clear whether the donated maize met relevant moisture levels before it was shipped into the country.
According to the Nation, Kebs Managing Director and Council Secretary Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bernard Njiraini said he had not been given the cargo manifest even as he dispelled any fears surrounding the maize.
“It should not be a cause for any alarm. It shall eventually be tested and if it meets the standards, it will be released to the market. If it’s found unfit for human or animal use, it will be destroyed,” he stated.
Nevertheless, the maize came into the country a few days after the Ministry of Agriculture distanced itself from the planned importation of the controversial 10 million tonnes duty-free of Genetically Modified (GM) maize announced by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.
