Kenya Bureau of Standards Enhances Consumer Protection Through Certification
Representatives from KEBS departments at the Market Surveillance, Standards Development and Trade and the Quality Assurance directorate pose for a photo with the journalists during media Sensitization Workshop.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring product quality and consumer safety through rigorous certification processes. Acting Chief Manager for Quality Assurance, Kabue John, emphasized the role of KEBS in facilitating trade and protecting consumers by setting and enforcing standards.
Speaking during a Media Sensitization Workshop Kabue underscored the critical role of standards in promoting trade and ensuring that products meet the necessary quality benchmarks.
“We develop standards to facilitate trade, ensuring that products can move seamlessly from one country to another while guaranteeing consumer safety,” he said.
KEBS Acting Chief Manager for Quality Assurance, Kabue John
KEBS does not manufacture products but is responsible for verifying their compliance with established standards. This involves checking locally manufactured products, imports and those already in the market to confirm adherence to safety and quality requirements.
“We assess whether manufacturers comply with documented standards, inspect imported goods, and conduct market surveillance to ensure that only safe and high-quality products reach consumers,” Kabue explained adding that “Standards set the minimum requirements for product performance, consumer safety, and information disclosure.”
To empower consumers, KEBS has introduced an SMS verification system that allows buyers to confirm the authenticity of certified products before making a purchase. By sending a text to 20023 with the unique permit number found below the Standardization Mark (S-Mark), consumers receive instant feedback on the product’s certification status.
“In case of concerns, consumers can also reach us through our toll-free number, 1545,” Kabue noted. “This initiative ensures that consumers can make informed decisions and avoid counterfeit goods.”
KEBS has established several certification marks to differentiate between imported and locally manufactured products. Imported goods bear the Import Standardization Mark (ISM), which features a unique UCR number linked to import documentation and inspection records.
“For locally manufactured products, we issue the Standardization Mark (S-Mark), while high-quality brands that exceed minimum standards receive the Diamond Mark of Quality,” Kabue explained.
“These marks assure consumers that the products have undergone rigorous inspection and testing.”
Representatives from KEBS departments at the Market Surveillance, Standards Development and Trade and the Quality Assurance directorate
KEBS employs both routine and risk-based approaches to monitor products in the market. Routine inspections involve factory visits, while risk-based assessments focus on high-risk products based on market intelligence, consumer complaints, and past test reports.
“Our market surveillance teams conduct random checks guided by product risk factors and performance trends,” said Kabue. “For instance, we may focus on food items such as maize flour when aflatoxin concerns arise.”
KEBS continuously adapts its surveillance priorities based on emerging risks. “We do not monitor one specific product constantly,” Kabue clarified. “Instead, our focus shifts depending on risk levels, reports from consumers, and intelligence gathered from the market.”Recent surveys have included products such as animal feeds, sugar, and alcoholic beverages, responding to safety concerns and regulatory alerts. “If intelligence suggests issues in a particular industry, we launch investigations and take necessary action,” he added.
Despite stringent quality checks, low-quality goods continue to infiltrate the market, primarily due to consumer price sensitivity. Kabue acknowledged that affordability often influences purchasing decisions but urged buyers to prioritize quality and safety.
“The demand is not for substandard products but for affordable goods,” he stated. “Unfortunately, unscrupulous traders exploit this by selling low-quality products, which compromises consumer safety.”
To combat substandard goods, KEBS encourages consumers to be active partners in quality assurance. “If you come across a suspicious product, report it to KEBS,” Kabue urged. “We handle such reports with confidentiality and take action against non-compliant businesses.”
Manufacturers, as key stakeholders, are also expected to uphold quality standards. “They have invested heavily in their businesses and should guard their brands by ensuring compliance with KEBS requirements,” he noted.
KEBS works closely with other regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and consumers to maintain product standards. “Quality assurance is a shared responsibility,” Kabue emphasized. “We are committed to ensuring that only safe and high-quality products reach the market.”
As KEBS continues its mandate, consumers are encouraged to leverage available verification tools, report substandard goods, and demand quality products.
“Together, we can build a safer market where consumers receive value for their money,” Kabue Stated..
With the ongoing enforcement of quality standards, KEBS remains a crucial player in safeguarding consumer welfare and enhancing trade efficiency in Kenya.
By Sharon Atieno
