The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will initiate a comprehensive investigation into the authenticity of Uji Power and Okra, given their recent surge in popularity in Kenya, particularly with claims surrounding their purported benefits to sexual wellness.
Uji Power, a type of porridge, is meticulously crafted from a blend of arrowroot flour, peanut flour, cassava flour, pumpkin seed flour, and undisclosed secret ingredients. On the other hand, Okra is a vegetable steeped in water overnight, purportedly for its health and sexual advantages.
The spotlight cast by KEBS on the controversy surrounding the safety of consuming Okra water and Uji Power underscores the agency’s commitment to public safety.
Peter Kaigwara, Director of Market Surveillance, emphasized the immediate commencement of the investigation based on gathered intelligence, stating, “We’ve received intelligence on these products, and we’re initiating an investigation without delay.”
During a Media-Editors Forum on Enhancing Awareness of KEBS’ Mandate in Naivasha, Geoffrey Karau, Director of Quality Assurance and Inspection, stressed the significance of collaborative efforts among relevant agencies to address concerns regarding Uji Power and Okra.
Karau outlined plans for the development of a standard for traditional porridge made from assorted cereals and fermented products to support the commercialization and hygienic handling of Uji Power. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a code of practice to govern the production and handling processes.
Furthermore, Karau urged the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEFIS) to scrutinize Okra while suggesting that matters pertaining to Uji Power be addressed by the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board (KPPB).
