- KEBS clarified that product certification permits are strictly valid for the specific scope of products approved during testing and do not apply to khat-infused beverages or any other unauthorized products.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a public warning against the illegal display and misuse of its Standardization Mark (S-Mark) on khat-infused beverages, commonly known and sold in the market as jaba juice.
In an official public notice dated October 16, 2026, the standards agency revealed that several manufacturers who hold valid certification permits for regular fruit juices and fruit drinks have been illegally extending these permits to promote and sell khat-derived drinks.
KEBS clarified that product certification permits are strictly valid for the specific scope of products approved during testing and do not apply to khat-infused beverages or any other unauthorised products.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, KEBS highlighted that khat (miraa/muguka) and its derived products are currently excluded from its product certification scheme.
This exclusion is attributed to complex regulatory considerations surrounding the plant’s psychoactive constituents, notably cathinone and cathine.
Consequently, KEBS confirmed that it has not approved or issued any Standardisation Mark permits for any khat-infused beverage currently available in the market.
The bureau warned that displaying the KEBS Standardization Mark or making claims of KEBS approval on jaba juice constitutes a misrepresentation of certification status, which is punishable under the Standards Act, Cap. 496.
"KEBS has therefore not issued Standardization Mark permits for any khat-infused beverages. Accordingly, the display of the KEBS Standardization Mark, or any claim of KEBS certification, on khat-infused beverages constitutes a misrepresentation of their certification status and may attract enforcement action," KEBS stated.
In response to detected non-compliance, KEBS has already revoked the certification permits of identified manufacturers involved in the practice.
Furthermore, the agency stated that continuous market surveillance is ongoing to identify, penalize, and take legal action against any manufacturers and traders found misusing the mark.
KEBS has cautioned members of the public that no jaba juice or khat-based beverage is certified, urging consumers to remain vigilant as any claims to the contrary are misleading.
To help combat illegal product certifications, consumers and traders are encouraged to verify the certification status of any product by sending an SMS to 20023 or reporting suspected cases of S-Mark misuse via the toll-free line 1545.
KEBS reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s product certification standards.