The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is enhancing public understanding of standardized products’ significance in trade and consumer protection. Recently, KEBS engaged journalists in discussions highlighting the role of standardization in ensuring product quality, safety, and market competitiveness.
As KEBS approaches its 51st anniversary in July, having been established in 1974, it remains committed to modernizing its operations. The institution has reviewed legislative frameworks, such as the Business Law Amendment Act of 2024, aligning with global trends.
Its current strategic plan (2023–2027) focuses on trade facilitation, technical services, and standards development, with the ultimate goal of becoming a global leader in standards-based trade solutions and sustainable development.
Expanding National Presence and Technical Committees
KEBS is expanding its reach by establishing strategic facilities nationwide. Existing offices and laboratories in Mombasa, Garissa, and the Lake Region (Kisumu, Migori, and Homa Bay) are set to enhance service delivery.
Standards are developed by technical committees comprising experts from government agencies, research institutions, professional bodies, non-governmental organizations, certification bodies, manufacturers, and consumer representatives.
According to John Kabue, KEBS’ Chief Manager of Quality Assurance, standardization extends beyond product certification to metrology, the science of measurement traceable to the International System of Units (SI).
Ensuring Compliance Through Testing and Certification
To uphold quality standards, KEBS conducts conformity assessments, ensuring products undergo rigorous testing. The National Quality Institute also provides public education on certifications.
“Testing is crucial because we want people to understand product quality. Companies can verify their products through KEBS testing centers, and we also inspect imported goods,” said Kabue.
As an ISO 17021-accredited certification body, KEBS offers various certification systems, including Information Security Management and Food Safety Management. The organization’s certification marks, such as the Diamond Mark of Quality, the Food Fortification Mark, and the Import Standardization Mark, assure compliance with both national and international standards.
How KEBS Develops Standards
Standards development begins when manufacturers or innovators request product standardization. The process involves several key steps:
- Submission of Standard Proposal: Requests are submitted via the KEBS online platform.
- Evaluation: The proposal is assessed for relevance, consumer protection, trade facilitation, and environmental impact.
- Technical Committee Review: One of KEBS’s 208 technical committees researches the product and refines the proposed standard.
- Public Review: The draft standard undergoes a 60-day public review for stakeholder feedback.
- Approval and Implementation: After technical members vote on the standard, it is approved, gazetted, and enforced.
Dennis Okeyo, KEBS’ Standards Officer, emphasized the impartiality and transparency of this process. He noted that both Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and multinational companies must adhere to the same rigorous standards.
KEBS aligns its efforts with Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), ensuring that national standards mirror Africa’s Agenda 2063. “Standards must evolve with industry trends, including climate action, innovation, and affordable housing initiatives,” Okeyo stated.
Market Surveillance: Enhancing Compliance
Market surveillance ensures consumer protection while facilitating trade. Guided by the principles of proportional action and prioritization of consumer safety, KEBS monitors the market to prevent the sale of substandard goods.
Surveillance activities are governed by Article 46 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees consumers the right to quality goods and services. The Standards Act criminalizes the production and sale of substandard products, empowering KEBS to take enforcement actions against violators.
According to Sylvester Mungai, KEBS’ Assistant Manager for Market Surveillance (Food Section), businesses at all levels, from retailers to manufacturers, are accountable under the Consumer Protection Act.
“We enforce compliance, address consumer complaints, and provide technical guidance to the government and stakeholders,” he said.
Mungai emphasized that KEBS does not seek to hinder businesses but rather to safeguard both enterprises and consumers. By enforcing standards, the agency supports fair trade and environmental sustainability.
Consumer Awareness and Public Engagement
Through the #WajibikaNaKEBS campaign, KEBS encourages consumers to verify product standards before purchase. The organization is accessible via multiple platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and a toll-free helpline (1545).
By strengthening its standardization processes, expanding its national presence, and enforcing compliance, KEBS remains dedicated to ensuring quality products for Kenyan consumers while supporting economic growth and regional trade harmonization.
