Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, on Friday, clarified that the Kigoto Maize Milling Plant, which produces flour packaged as Mokwa, was not flagged by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) as alleged by multiple reports.
In a statement, Wanga stated that the milling plant complied with all KEBS guidelines, refuting claims of potential closure of the plant and banning of the product due to public health risks.
"The Kigoto Maize Milling Plant complies with all the requirements set by KEBS, including the sourcing of raw materials thus the Mokwa Maize Meal available in the market and produced by the factory is safe for human consumption," Wanga said in a statement.
According to the vocal governor, the milling plant underwent an inspection and certification process by KEBS according to the Scheme of Supervision and Control.
However, the governor noted that just a few bales in the stock had shown a high aflatoxin content but were never released to the market.
“Samples in question, which showed a high aflatoxin content of 19.46 against the maximum limit of 10, were from a consignment of 36 bales of flour that were not meant to be released to the market,” Wanga said in a statement.
“These bales have not and will not be released to the market, and will be destroyed with KEBS' supervision.”
Wanga's statement comes against the backdrop of a joint presser with the KEBS Regional Director Andrew Maiyo held on October 27.
At the conference, Wanga assured that she ensured all standards were met and that the plant creates job opportunities.
"To ensure our people are employed and have money in their pockets, we continuously engage relevant bodies to ensure compliance with set standards and regulations,” Wanga noted.
A day before, a section of media outlets alleged the potential closure of the milling plant on account that its flour contained aflatoxins.
On November 4, 2022, the County Government of Homa Bay successfully launched its new maize milling plant, marking a major milestone in an effort to promote industrialization and boost food security in the region.
The fully-funded county government project was meant to ensure that residents of Kigoto have access to affordable, high-quality sifted and fortified maize products.
Opposition leader and Azimio chief principal Raila Odinga was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
