Kenya’s standards agency, KEBS, has rejected concerns over the quality and safety of five Kenyan alcoholic drinks that Rwanda temporarily suspended from its market.
The dispute follows a decision by Rwanda FDA on August 5, 2026, to suspend the sale of the five products while authorities continue checking alcoholic drinks available on the Rwandan market.
The five products are Kenya King Gin and Safari Gin, made by London Distillers Kenya Ltd; Avalon Potable Spirit and Sweet Berry Potable Spirit, produced by Zheng Hong (K) Ltd; and Gilbey’s Gin, manufactured by Kenya Breweries Ltd.
However, KEBS says the products meet the required standards and should not be considered unsafe or substandard.
In a statement posted on X on August 11, KEBS said the products had gone through several quality-control processes, including factory inspections, market surveillance, legal compliance checks and laboratory testing.
KEBS also said the drinks carry the required certification marks and were manufactured in line with Kenyan regulations and East African Community (EAC) standards.
The agency stated: “Products bearing valid certification marks demonstrate that they meet the required quality standards and continue to comply with requirements relating to quality, safety, and the information that must appear on their labels (labelling).”
KEBS said the products were assessed using EAC standards covering alcoholic beverages such as gin and vodka. These standards include requirements on alcohol content, permitted levels of methanol and other substances, packaging, product labelling and consumer safety.
Following Rwanda FDA’s decision, KEBS said it launched a further review of certification documents, inspection reports, laboratory results and other records related to the products and their manufacturers.
The disagreement comes as Rwanda continues strengthening measures against alcoholic drinks and other products that fail to meet local requirements. Rwandan authorities have repeatedly warned that some manufacturers may hold quality certificates but still violate regulations in their operations.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Ministry of Local Government has clarified that the government is not targeting traditional drinks such as banana beer and sorghum beer simply because they are alcoholic. The focus, according to the ministry, is on products that violate regulations or pose risks to public health.
The latest development therefore puts the spotlight on a key question: whether the five Kenyan alcohol products suspended in Rwanda should remain off the Rwandan market despite KEBS maintaining that they meet the required quality and safety standards.
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