31.2 C
Accra
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Independent AfricaKenya suspends 27 officials due to expired sugar trade agreement

Date:

Kenya suspends 27 officials due to expired sugar trade agreement

The head of Kenya’s standards authority and 26 other government employees have been suspended in connection with the market release of 1,000 tonnes of expired sugar.

A statement by the head of public service, Felix Koskei, said 20,000 bags of sugar imported into the country in 2018 and condemned by the regulator had been “irregularly diverted and unprocedurally released”.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards had then declared the sugar as unfit for human consumption and was set for destruction through conversion to industrial ethanol.

The conversion was to be undertaken jointly by regulatory agencies.

They were required to source for a distiller through an open and competitive tendering process and pay all the necessary taxes and fees.

“It is manifest that some officers in the relevant agencies abdicated their responsibilities, at the risk of public harm,” Mr Koskei said.

The suspension comes at a time when Kenyans have been hit by one of the biggest rise in prices of sugar in years amid shortage.

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Africa lacks leadership, innovative ecosystems and not talent – Bawumia

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana,...

Africa’s prosperity and job creation depend on digital economy – Bawumia

Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has...

Annoh-Dompreh must resign immediately – Concerned Nsawam-Adoagyiri NDC members

A group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in...

Bellingham sees red in Osasuna clash

Jude Bellingham was sent off as Real Madrid missed...

Curfew imposed on Walewale politically motivated – MP 

The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tiah...

Related stories

Liberia: Over 450 govt officials suspended over failure to declare assets

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended more than 450...

Congolese musician fatally shot while filming music video in conflict-hit Goma

Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, widely known as Delcat Idengo, has...

Gunmen ambush bus in Upper East, kills 1 injures 5

A bus traveling from Bawku to Bolgatanga in the...

Ramaphosa defends land reform amid Trump and Musk criticism

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken with billionaire...

Nigeria school fire kills 17 children

At least 17 children lost their lives after a...

New Ebola outbreak confirmed by Uganda’s health authorities

Uganda's health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak...