'Jaba juice': KEBS warns against misuse of standardisation mark on miraa-infused drinks

'Jaba juice': KEBS warns against misuse of standardisation mark on miraa-infused drinks - The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) signage. (Photo: Courtesy)

The standards regulator clarified that certification permits are valid only for products covered under the approved scope of certification and cannot be used to market products outside that category.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has cautioned manufacturers and traders against misusing its standardisation mark on beverages infused with khat (miraa/muguka), commonly marketed as 'jaba juice', saying it has not certified any such products.

In a notice dated October 16, 2026, KEBS said it had established cases in which manufacturers certified to produce fruit juices and fruit drinks used permits issued for those products to market khat-infused beverages.

The standards regulator clarified that certification permits are valid only for products covered under the approved scope of certification and cannot be used to market products outside that category.

“KEBS has therefore not issued standardisation mark permits for any khat-infused beverages,” the notice stated.

KEBS said khat and khat-derived products are currently excluded from its product certification scheme due to regulatory considerations relating to the plant and its psychoactive constituents, including cathinone and cathine.

The agency warned that displaying its standardisation mark or claiming KEBS certification on khat-infused beverages misrepresents their certification status and may attract enforcement action under the Standards Act, Cap. 496.

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“Accordingly, the display of the KEBS standardisation mark, or any claim of KEBS certification, on khat-infused beverages constitutes a misrepresentation of their certification status and may attract enforcement action under the Standards Act, Cap. 496,” the notice stated.

“KEBS has revoked certification permits in identified cases of non-compliance and will continue to undertake market surveillance and take appropriate action against manufacturers and traders found misusing the standardisation mark.”

It cautioned manufacturers and traders against displaying the mark or making claims of certification on the beverages, while advising consumers that any representation suggesting the products are KEBS-certified is misleading.

Consumers have been encouraged to verify the certification status of products through official KEBS channels, including by sending an SMS to 20023. Members of the public can also report suspected misuse of the standardisation mark through the regulator’s toll-free number, 1545.

KEBS added that it remains committed to protecting consumers, safeguarding the integrity of its product certification system, and ensuring compliance with applicable Kenya Standards and regulatory requirements.