The okra plant has never before seen such high demand in Kenya that the cost of this hitherto unidentified species is still rising.
Okra water is becoming more popular among Kenyan women due to its magical ability to improve physical intimacy wellness.
Men do not fall behind at the same time. They still give in to the charms of Uji Power, a mixture rich in custom and legend. Arrowroot flour, peanut flour, cassava flour, pumpkin seed flour, and a few more unidentified components make up Uji Power. It guarantees energy and vitality with every drink.
However, amidst the chaos, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has drawn attention to the debate surrounding the public safety of Okra water and Uji power use.
According to Dr. Muriira Karau, Director of Quality Assurance and Inspection at KEBS, standards and public health should be the driving forces behind any regulations pertaining to the consumption of okra water.
The relevant agencies should collaborate with the innovators to develop a regulation that guarantees the efficacy and safety of okra water for consumers.
On the other hand, according to the KEBS Director for Quality Assurance and Inspection at Uji Power, the organisation is working on creating a code of practice to regulate the handling and manufacture of natural juices that are sold by the side of the road in addition to conventional porridge.
Dr. Muriira claims that this will help with the marketing and sanitary handling of these items.
“We will establish guidelines for traditional porridge, made from various cereals and fermented, to promote its commercialization and hygienic handling.
“A code of practice will also serve as a guide for the manufacturing and handling procedures. This also covers natural juices sold on the side of the road,” according to Dr. Muriira.
Reiterating that manufactured and packaged goods are the focal point of the KEBS mission, Dr. Muriira addressed a gathering of media editors in Naivasha.
He said, “This functions well for SMES that manage these products to be more profitable while preserving livelihoods.”
Dr. Muriira continued by saying that KEBs have a subsidized package and several incentives, including product creation and incubation up to certification, when it comes to the certification of such items by SMEs.
“The certification of SMEs products does not only give them access to Kenyan markets but also gives them access to the vast East Africa Community (EAC) market,” he said.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards intends to harmonise standards with other regional organisations in order to expand the market for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya.
“Products from small and medium enterprises involve an emerging innovation landscape, which KEBs are encouraging in order to capitalise on these tremendous possibilities from local innovators,” said Dr. Muriira.