At least 30 schools in Alale Constituency have been affected by a shocking case of contaminated sugar distributed through a food donation program. The sugar, donated by area MP Maryanne Kitany under the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), was declared unfit for human consumption by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
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Contaminated Sugar Distributed to Schools
The unsafe sugar was distributed to learning institutions including Ndurio, Kimaren, Chepkongony, Chepkuny, Kapkures, Kaptumek, Koyo, Maraba, Kesegon, Koitabut, and Banja High Schools, among others.
Concerns were first raised in January 2025 by the Board of Management at Ndurio Secondary School, which alerted KEBS after noticing the sugar’s strange taste and texture.
KEBS Report Confirms Sugar Was Unsafe
KEBS officials from the North Rift Region collected samples and conducted laboratory tests. A report released on February 18, 2025, revealed that the sugar failed key KS EAS:2021 Kenya Standard tests.
The analysis showed excess moisture, high invert sugar, ash content, yeast, mold, and water-insoluble matter, making it dangerous for human consumption. The report was signed by Vincent Cheruiyot, KEBS North Rift Regional Manager.
400 Bags Already Distributed Before KEBS Warning
By the end of January, over 400 bags of the contaminated sugar had already been distributed to schools, with most institutions having used it before the KEBS warning was issued.
MP Maryanne Kitany defended the donation, saying the sugar was procured through a local dealer and stored before distribution. She also questioned how banned sugar entered the market, blaming rogue officials who may have released impounded sugar from Mombasa ports.
Public Outcry Over Food Safety and Accountability
The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns about food safety in schools, the accountability of local suppliers, and the effectiveness of KEBS inspections.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are calling for investigations to ensure such safety lapses never happen again. The issue also raises questions about how NG-CDF resources are monitored to protect students’ health and welfare.
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