When Mariana Kanji bought baby formula from her local store, her baby developed stomach complications after being fed. Her doctor advised that it must be the food the baby had ingested. Upon investigation by the Kenya Bureau of Standards’ Market surveillance team, the baby formula was found to be counterfeit. This case and many similar ones highlight the crucial role played by KEBS in protecting consumers by ensuring that only safe, high-quality products reach the market.

Emphasizing the importance of quality standards, Verah Akomo says, “Not only are good quality products safe for market consumption but are also an economic stimulus. That is why at KEBS, we are mandated to provide Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment Services that safeguard consumers and facilitate trade for a sustainable future.”

A standard is a document with a set of requirements for a particular product in the market. Standardization entails a series of activities to ensure the product meets the right quality.

“Standardization involves initiating, developing, and implementing standards that ensure the commodities entering the market are fit,” says Engineer Dennis Okeyo, a member of the standards development team at KEBS.

To facilitate trade not only within the borders of the country but also internationally, there are levels of standards mandated.

“The National standard is developed for Kenya at Kenyan level, whereas the regional standard is enforceable within a region like the East African Community,” says Engineer Okeyo.

He further highlights the Africa Regional Standard Organizations Standards, and the International Standard created by a committee at the International Standards Organization (ISO), and applicable globally.

“Standardization is pivotal to economic growth. By ensuring that Kenyan products meet both local and international quality benchmarks, we enhance market access, boost consumer confidence, and attract investment,” says Dr. Redemta Cherotich, Chief Manager of Marketing and Customer Care at KEBS.

Consequently, KEBS is involved in almost every aspect of trade to ensure optimal standards. KEBS product certification and market surveillance, like in the case of Mariana Kanji, prevent low-quality goods.

“The metrology and testing section of KEBS provides calibration services to ensure accuracy,” says Madam Akomo.

This affects essential fields like healthcare by ensuring medical equipment is accurate and other industries where scales dictate terms.

“KEBS also regulates food safety standards for consumer protection.” She further adds that the organization’s main mandate falls on packed foods.

According to Dr. Grace Njeri, a food safety specialist, KEBS plays a crucial role in ensuring that food manufacturers adhere to strict hygiene and safety protocols.

To ensure that the standards are enforced, KEBS has a responsibility to carry out market surveillance. Market Surveillance Process protects consumers from substandard, counterfeit, and hazardous goods while promoting fair trade practices.

KEBS employs a number of approaches to monitor compliance.

“We normally do scheduled inspections, which are routine checks conducted in collaboration with other regulatory bodies,” according to Bilhah Nderitu.

For instance, KEBS may conduct quarterly inspections of electrical cables to ensure they meet safety standards and prevent fire hazards.

Targeted inspections is also another approach employed by KEBS. This is mainly focused on specific industries, product categories, or manufacturers based on risk assessment, past non-compliance records, or intelligence reports. If counterfeit sugar is suspected in circulation, KEBS might target sugar importers and distributors for immediate inspections.

Raids are also carried out occasionally to catch non-compliant businesses off guard. To ensure the rule of law, these often involve law enforcement agencies to seize substandard goods and take legal action against offenders.

There are actions that are influenced by consumer complaints.

“If multiple consumers report that a brand of bottled water has contamination issues, KEBS can initiate tests and recall the product if it fails quality checks,” says Madam Akomo.

The Constitution protects consumers from substandard and unsafe products in the Consumer Protection Act No. 46 of 2012 and the Standards Act Cap 496. Besides granting consumers the right to quality goods and services, the Consumer Protection Act also provides legal avenues for consumers to seek redress when harmed by defective goods.

The Standards Act Cap 496 empowers KEBS to regulate product quality by setting mandatory standards, conducting inspections, and taking enforcement actions against non-compliant businesses. This criminalizes the sale of substandard goods and allows KEBS to recall, seize, or destroy products that fail to meet established standards.

However, the process of enforcement of product recalls and withdrawals can, at times, be a lengthy, frustrating litigation process.

“Our market surveillance team risks physical harm when working in some areas,” says Dr Cherotich, further adding that the high demand for low-priced and mostly poor-quality products makes the matter more complex.

In a drive to ensure smooth compliance, KEBS offers Management Systems Training and Certification to help businesses enhance efficiency, compliance, and global competitiveness. “These training programs focus on internationally recognized standards, particularly those under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Businesses that obtain these certifications demonstrate commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability,” says Madam Akomo.

KEBS services are integrated into an online system, and businesses seeking certifications can submit their proposals by applying online on the website. This use of technology has harmonized the standardization process as it is convenient despite an individual’s or business’s location. This automation of services to enable efficient trade facilitation is in line with KEBS’s Strategic Direction 2023-2027.

Engineer Okeyo says that Standards are more than just regulations—they are a blueprint for quality, safety, and success. For businesses, adopting and adhering to KEBS standards and certifications is a strategic advantage that enhances product credibility, opens doors to international markets, and builds consumer trust.