The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has warned manufacturers and traders against misusing its Standardization Mark on khat-infused beverages commonly known as jaba juice, saying the products are not currently certified by the regulator.
In a public notice dated October 16, 2026, KEBS said it had identified cases where manufacturers licensed to produce fruit juices and fruit drinks were using certification permits issued for those products to market beverages infused with khat, also known as miraa or muguka.
The standards agency clarified that its certification permits apply strictly to products covered under the approved scope of certification and cannot be used to market products outside that category.
KEBS explained that khat and khat-derived products are currently excluded from its product certification scheme due to regulatory concerns surrounding the plant and its psychoactive constituents, including cathinone and cathine.
The agency stressed that it has not issued Standardization Mark permits for any khat-infused beverages, warning that displaying the mark or claiming KEBS certification for such products amounts to misrepresentation.
According to the regulator, manufacturers and traders found violating the requirements risk enforcement action under the Standards Act, Cap. 496.
KEBS further disclosed that it has already revoked certification permits in identified cases of non-compliance and will continue conducting market surveillance to identify and take action against businesses misusing its Standardization Mark.
The agency has cautioned businesses against displaying the KEBS mark or making certification claims on jaba juice products, urging consumers not to be misled by packaging that suggests the beverages have received official approval.
Consumers have also been advised to verify the certification status of products through official KEBS channels, including SMS code 20023, and report suspected misuse of the Standardization Mark through the toll-free number 1545.
KEBS said the measures are aimed at protecting consumers, maintaining the integrity of its certification system and ensuring that products in the Kenyan market comply with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
