KEBS Issues Fresh Warning to All Mitumba Importers

In a statement on Thursday, October 22, 2026, KEBS said it inspects all imported used clothing and footwear consignments, conducting 100% inspections to ensure compliance with applicable Kenyan standards.

“KEBS inspects all imported used clothing and footwear consignments, with 100% inspection being undertaken to ensure compliance with applicable standards,” KEBS stated.

The agency disclosed that during an inspection conducted on Wednesday, October 21, its officers intercepted a consignment containing used undergarments prohibited under the applicable requirements.

Also Read: Mitumba Tax, Rental Tax Among Contentious Proposals Dropped in Finance Bill 2026

KEBS reminded importers to ensure their consignments do not contain prohibited used textiles, warning that the restrictions cover briefs, brassieres, camisoles, socks, stockings and swimwear.

“Importers are reminded to ensure that consignments do not contain prohibited used textiles, including briefs, brassieres, camisoles, socks, stockings and swimwear.”

The bureau emphasised that all importers must comply with the applicable requirements when bringing second-hand clothing and footwear into Kenya.

KEBS further stated that it would continue enforcing the standards governing imported used textiles to protect consumers and ensure that all consignments meet the country’s requirements.

In a separate notice dated October 16, 2026, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) warned manufacturers and traders against misusing its Standardisation Mark on khat-infused beverages, commonly known as miraa, muguka, or jaba juice.

KEBS said it had established cases where manufacturers used certification permits issued for fruit juices and fruit drinks to market khat-infused beverages.

The agency clarified that certification permits are only valid for products covered by the approved scope of certification and cannot be used to market products outside that scope.

Also Read: From Mitumba to Runway: The Rise of Kenya’s Grandma Core Trend

KEBS explained that its product certification scheme currently excludes khat and khat-derived products due to regulatory considerations involving their psychoactive compounds, cathinone and cathine.

The bureau said it has not issued Standardisation Mark permits for any khat-infused beverages. Displaying the mark or claiming KEBS certification for such drinks amounts to misrepresentation and may attract enforcement action under the Standards Act, Cap. 496.

KEBS said it had revoked certification permits in identified cases of non-compliance and would continue market surveillance to identify manufacturers and traders misusing the mark.

Manufacturers and traders were cautioned against displaying the Standardisation Mark or claiming KEBS certification for khat-infused beverages. Consumers were also advised that the agency has not yet certified such drinks.

The public has been urged to verify product certification through official KEBS channels, including SMS 20023, and report suspected misuse of the Standardisation Mark through the toll-free number 1545.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.

Daisy Moraa is an all-round journalist at The Kenya Times, covering education, business, politics, and health. She specializes in storytelling, news reporting, and content creation, with experience across both mainstream and digital media platforms. She actively champions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on mental health awareness and sustainability. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Journalism from Rongo University. She can be reached at [email protected].

Related Posts Ruto’s Plan to Stop Foreign Borrowing October 22, 2026 University Driver Faces 12 Charges Over Fatal Awasi Crash That Killed Students October 22, 2026 Why Kenyans Still Pay More at the Pump When Global Oil Prices Fall October 22, 2026 INTERPOL Crackdown Involving Kenya Nets 1,462 Arrests, Recovers Ksh13.5 Billion October 22, 2026 Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.