KEBS clears five Kenyan alcohol brands suspended by Rwanda

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has lifted a temporary suspension imposed on five Kenyan alcoholic beverage brands by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA). The decision comes after KEBS conducted fresh laboratory tests which confirmed the products met all required safety and quality standards. The five brands in question include Kenya King Gin and Safari Gin from London Distillers Kenya Ltd, Avalon and Sweet Berry Potable Spirits from Zheng Hong (K) Ltd, and Gilbey’s Gin from Kenya Breweries Ltd. These products had previously undergone conformity assessments and factory inspections, resulting in valid Standardization Marks and certifications against Kenyan and East African standards.

The KEBS review involved examining certification records, quality assurance reports, and laboratory results, as well as consulting with manufacturers, standards agencies in other East African Community Partner States, and the EAC Quality Assurance and Testing Sub-committee. Additional inspections of the manufacturing facilities were carried out between August 7 and 10, 2026, with the tests confirming the products' compliance with standards, including those for alcohol content, methanol, higher alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and volatile acids.

The Bureau emphasized its commitment to consumer protection and maintaining confidence in Kenyan products across the region.