The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has launched investigations to validate the authenticity of Uji Power and Okra.
The two products have gained popularity in the past few months among Kenyan youth who have alleged that they improve female sexual health.
During a Question and Answer session at a media workshop in Naivasha, Director Market Surveillance Peter Kaigwara responded to a query on the safety of the products and whether they adhere to the required standards.
"This is intelligence that we have received and we shall embark on an investigation immediately," Kaigwara noted.
He directed his team of market surveillance officers to test the products and disclose the findings to the public.
"My team will definitely look into this with the sole aim of establishing if they meet the standards," he added.
Okra, a popular vegetable that is largely consumed in Asia and Western Africa, is perceived to possess many health benefits including lowering blood cholesterol levels and also protect the heart from inflammation.
The buzz around the plant has become a trend across social platforms with women claiming the vegetable is the magic component in improving their sexual health while others question the reports.
The famed commodity retails between Ksh80 and Ksh300 depending on the season and location.
Uji power is a traditional porridge that is perceived to boost immunity and provide energy. Uji power is sold in a calabash and retails at Ksh50 and in some shops in Nairobi, the price can go up to Ksh100.
It contains ingredients such as arrowroots, sweet potatoes, milk, ground nuts, sugarcane juice and cassava.
During the session, Director at Anti-Counterfeit Authority Henry Maina cautioned the public to familiarise themselves with the features to differentiate authentic products from the sub-standard or fake commodities sold in the market.
"To effectively identify counterfeits, consumers should familiarise themselves with the distinguishing features of authentic products. Such features will help in detecting discrepancies or omissions that may indicate a counterfeit item," he stated.
