The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has cautioned manufacturers and traders against displaying its Standardization Mark on beverages infused with miraa, commonly known as jaba juice.
In a notice issued on Friday, October 16, the regulator revealed that some manufacturers licensed to produce fruit juices and other beverages had been using their certification permits to market miraa-infused drinks.
KEBS clarified that its certification permits only cover products within the approved scope and cannot be used to suggest that other products have been certified.
The bureau explained that miraa and products derived from the plant are currently excluded from its certification scheme due to regulatory concerns surrounding the substance and its psychoactive components, cathinone and cathine.
It further stated that it had not issued Standardization Mark permits for any beverages containing miraa.
KEBS Threatens Action Against Non-Compliant Traders
The regulator warned that displaying its certification mark on miraa-infused beverages amounts to misrepresentation and could lead to enforcement measures against the businesses involved.
KEBS disclosed that it had already revoked certification permits in cases where manufacturers were found to have violated the requirements.
The bureau added that it would continue conducting market surveillance and taking appropriate action against manufacturers and traders found to be misusing its Standardization Mark.
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It also urged businesses to refrain from displaying the KEBS mark or making claims that their miraa-infused beverages had received its approval.
Members of the public were similarly advised that the drinks are not currently certified by the regulator and that any claims suggesting otherwise are misleading.
Djibouti Opens Market to Kenyan Miraa
The warning comes months after the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) announced that Djibouti had opened its market to Kenyan miraa exports, subject to compliance with applicable regulations.
In a statement issued on July 23, AFA said the development followed diplomatic and trade engagements between Kenya and Djibouti aimed at expanding market access for Kenyan agricultural products.
The authority traced the agreement to a Kenyan trade mission to Djibouti in October 2024, followed by a reciprocal visit by a Djiboutian delegation in November of the same year.
AFA said the agreement presented new export opportunities for Kenyan miraa farmers and traders, provided they met the importing country’s regulatory requirements.
