The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has called on the media to partner with the agency in educating the public on product certification, consumer safety, and the fight against fraudsters posing as KEBS officers.
Speaking during a media engagement forum held in Kwale County, KEBS Mombasa Manager for Market Surveillance, Peter Makhan, said the collaboration with media houses will enhance public understanding of KEBS’ mandate and help consumers identify quality products in the market.
“We have had a productive engagement with media representatives from Kwale County to strengthen our working relationship. The media plays a critical role in helping the public understand what KEBS does in ensuring that consumers access quality and safe products,” said Makhan.
He explained that KEBS continuously monitors products in the market to ensure they meet required standards and bear valid certification marks.
Maina noted that manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, stand to benefit significantly from obtaining KEBS certification as it opens access to wider markets across Kenya and the East African region.
“When a product is certified by KEBS, the manufacturer gains easier access to markets not only within Kenya but across East Africa. Certification enhances consumer confidence and business growth,” he said.
The Official encouraged manufacturers to take advantage of the simplified online application process, saying entrepreneurs can apply for certification from any location without visiting KEBS offices.
Also speaking during the forum, Hassan Omar, Manager for Quality Assurance and Product Certification at KEBS Mombasa, said obtaining the Standardization Mark of Quality is now a straightforward process accessible through the KEBS Integrated Management System (KIMS) portal.
“Any business owner who wants their products certified can sign up and apply online through the KIMS platform. Once the application is processed successfully, the manufacturer receives a permit to use the Standardization Mark, which helps expand market opportunities,” Omar said.
He cited local enterprises that have grown through certification, noting that several small businesses in Kwale and other parts of the Coast region have successfully expanded their operations after obtaining KEBS certification.
“Many successful companies started small and grew after undergoing the certification process. We encourage entrepreneurs to embrace certification as a pathway to business growth and market expansion,” he added.
The Officials further raised concern over individuals impersonating KEBS officers and extorting money from traders while falsely claiming to represent the standards agency.
According to Makhan, such imposters not only defraud business owners but also tarnish the image of KEBS by creating the false impression that the agency solicits bribes during market inspections.
“We have received reports of fraudsters moving around the market using the name of KEBS to deceive traders and demand money. These individuals are not KEBS employees, and their actions damage the reputation of the institution,” he said.
To address the challenge, KEBS has introduced a mobile verification service that allows traders and members of the public to confirm the identity of field officers before engaging with them.
Businesses can verify an officer by sending an SMS to short code 20023 in the format HR# followed by the officer’s staff number. The system automatically responds with the officer’s full official names and confirms whether the individual is a legitimate KEBS employee.
“If the person is not recognized by KEBS, the system will indicate so. This service helps traders protect themselves from fraud and ensures they only deal with authorized officers,” Makhan explained.
The officials urged media practitioners to disseminate information on product certification, quality assurance, and officer verification to help safeguard consumers and support the growth of compliant businesses.
They emphasized that increased public awareness will not only enhance consumer protection but also encourage more manufacturers to formalize their products and access broader regional markets.
by Chari Suche
