Updated 1 November 2026
The KEBS Fortification Mark (F-Mark) is the food fortification logo that millers and oil refiners in Kenya must earn for fortified wheat flour, dry milled maize products and vegetable fats and oils. It costs KSh 20,000 plus VAT per product, per brand, per site and lasts two years. You must already hold, or apply at the same time for, a KEBS Standardization Mark (S-Mark) for the same product, and you apply on the KEBS KIMS portal. Here is who needs it, what it costs and each step to get it.
Updated 1 November 2026 from the KEBS Quality Assurance Fortification Mark page and fee schedule. Confirm on qualityassurance.kebs.go.ke before you pay.
Which foods need the KEBS fortification mark?
Legal Notice No. 62 of 15 June 2012, issued by the then Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, made fortification mandatory for three food groups:
| Food vehicle | Required micronutrients |
|---|---|
| Wheat flour | Zinc, iron and vitamin A |
| Dry milled maize products (e.g. sifted and fortified maize meal) | Zinc, iron and vitamin A |
| Vegetable fats and oils | Vitamin A |
The Ministry of Health later signed a memorandum of understanding with KEBS so that KEBS administers the food fortification logo and certifies products that meet the fortification requirements of the relevant Kenya Standard. Food fortification is one of four cost-effective strategies the WHO recommends to fight micronutrient deficiency, which is why the rule exists.
Source: KEBS Fortification Mark page, checked 1 November 2026.
KEBS fortification mark fees
| Firm category | Permit fee (2 years) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Large (LME) | KSh 20,000 | Per product/brand/production site |
| Medium (MME) | KSh 20,000 | Per product/brand/production site |
| Small (SME) | KSh 20,000 | Per product/brand/production site |
The KEBS product page says the KSh 20,000 is exclusive of VAT. Unlike the S-Mark, the fee is the same whatever your size. Note that KEBS places fortified maize and wheat millers in the large (LME) category for the S-Mark itself, so their S-Mark costs KSh 40,000 inspection per site plus KSh 15,000 per product (see our KEBS S-Mark guide).
Example: a posho mill with two maize meal brands
Two brands from one site means two F-Mark permits at KSh 20,000 each (KSh 40,000 plus VAT) on top of the S-Mark fees for both products. Budget for the fortificant premix and dosing equipment as well, since the samples must meet the standard.
All KEBS payments now go only through eCitizen. Source: KEBS fee schedule.
Requirements before you apply
- A valid S-Mark or Diamond Mark for the food vehicle (or an S-Mark application made at the same time).
- A KIMS manufacturer account, with your company registration number, KRA PIN, director’s ID, turnover and line of business. See our guide on the KRA PIN for a company.
- Fortification process controls: premix supply, dosing, mixing and in-house checks.
- A county trade licence; see the single business permit guide.
How to apply for the KEBS fortification mark
- Apply with your S-Mark. KEBS says the fortification mark application is made at the time you apply for the standardization mark.
- Use KIMS. Sign up at kims.kebs.go.ke and follow the KIMS Manufacturer User Manual for Quality Assurance.
- Pay KSh 20,000 plus VAT per product on eCitizen.
- Factory inspection. KEBS officers inspect the production process and controls against the Kenya Standard, draw samples and agree a scheme of supervision and control.
- Testing. Samples are analysed at KEBS or another accredited or designated lab to check the fortificant levels.
- Corrective action. If samples fail or nonconformities are found, you correct them and inform KEBS.
- Certification decision. On compliance, KEBS grants the right to use the fortification logo on your packaging for two years.
How to check if flour or oil is genuinely fortified
KEBS runs an online “Verify Products with F-Mark” search on its Quality Assurance site. Retailers, schools and institutions buying in bulk can check a brand before ordering. Consumers should look for the fortification logo together with an S-Mark permit number on the pack.
Starting a milling or oil business?
The F-Mark is only one of several approvals. You will also need the S-Mark, a county permit, food hygiene clearance from public health and, for some plants, NEMA approval. Our KEBS certification cost guide sets out all KEBS charges in one place, and the Diamond Mark guide explains the premium voluntary mark.
KEBS Quality Assurance contacts
Popo Road off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 54974-00200 Nairobi. Tel +254 20 694 8320, email info.qa@kebs.go.ke, toll free 1545.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the KEBS fortification mark?
KSh 20,000 excluding VAT per product, per brand, per production site, valid for two years, for all firm sizes.
Do I need the S-Mark before the fortification mark?
Yes. KEBS requires a valid S-Mark or Diamond Mark for the same food vehicle, and the F-Mark application is made together with the S-Mark application.
Which foods must be fortified in Kenya?
Wheat flour and dry milled maize products (with zinc, iron and vitamin A) and vegetable fats and oils (with vitamin A), under Legal Notice No. 62 of 2012.
How long is the fortification mark valid?
Two years.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
