Demand for the Okra plant in Kenya has been on an unprecedented rise, so much so that the price of the previously not-so-much-known plant continues to rise.

Whispers of Okra water, the newfound sensation touted for its mystical prowess in enhancing sexual health, continue to spread like wildfire among Kenyan women.

At the same time, men are not to be outdone. They continue to indulge in the allure of Uji Power, a concoction steeped in tradition and folklore. Crafted from a blend of arrowroot flour, peanut flour, cassava flour, pumpkin seed flour, and a dash of secret ingredients, Uji Power promises vitality and vigour in every sip.

However, amidst the frenzy, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has casted a spotlight on the controversy revolving around the public safety of consumption of Okra water and uji power.

Dr Muriira Karau, the Director of Quality Assurance and Inspection at KEBS, says regulation on the consumption of Okra Water should be a public health as well as standards matter and the respective agencies should work with the innovators to come up with a regulation to assure the consumers of the efficacy and safety.  

However, on Uji Power, the KEBS Director for Quality Assurance and Inspection states that the authority is working on developing a code of practice to guide on the process of production and handling of not only the traditionally made porridge but also natural juices sold on the roadside.

According to Dr Muriira, this will support the commercialisation and hygienic handling of these products.

"A standard for traditional porridge made from various cereals and fermented will be developed to support the commercialisation and hygienic handling of this product. And even a code of practice to guide the process of production and handling. This also applies to natural juices sold on the roadside," said Dr Muriira.

Speaking at a Media-Editors Forum on Raising Awareness of the KEBS mandate in Naivasha, Dr Muriira reiterated that the KEBS mandate revolves around manufactured and packaged products.

He added: "This works well for SMESs dealing with these products to be more profitable in supporting livelihoods."

Dr Muriira went on to state that when it comes to certification of such products by SMEs, KEBs has a subsidised package and many incentives including product development and incubation up to certification.

"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 stated.