KISUMU, 4th June 2026 -The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)has called on members on the public to play a more active role in exposing substandard products in the market.
This follows numerous quality concerns raised by consumers on products such as iron sheets among others. It has been noted that the pre-painted iron sheets fade shortly after purchase,prompting investigations and market surveillance interventions by KEBS.
Speaking during a media engagement forum at a Kisumu hotel,KEBS Market Surveillance officer David Kisiangani said the standards agency is strengthening collaboration with media to enhance consumer protection and improve awareness of quality standards across the region.
“We analyse complaints received from consumers and conduct testing to determine compliance,” he said while urging consumers to report substandard products through KEBS toll free line 1545, whistleblower channels, and email platform.
Kisiagani added that reports received are normally investigated by his department who order the withdrawal of non compliant products from the market or advise manufacturers to recall them.
KEBS is currently sourcing for public views on three draft regulations that have been proposed to support the regulatory mandate of KEBS.One of the draft regulations is the standards, testing and designation of laboratories regulation.
This regulation is about opening up space for accredited laboratories to offer testing services for regulatory services.There is also product certification regulation 2026 which is seeking to demystify product certification process.
All members of the public are advised and encouraged to go to the website and submit proposals through email address regulation@kebs.org.
The KEBS Lake Region Manager,Felix Omindi,highlighted the agency’s extensive presence in the region,where it serves 11 counties including Kisumu,Busia,Migori,Kisii,Nyamira,Siaya,Kakamega and Vihiga.
“The region hosts inspection at Busia and Isebania points,satellite operations in Kisii and inspection facilities at Kisumu port and Mbita to monitor goods entering the country through regional trade routes,” Omindi explained.
The main headquarters is located in Kisumu which provides testing,metrology, certification,market surveillance and quality inspection services supported by laboratories that offer measurements and calibration services to industries hospitals and other institution.
The standards agency also sought to reassure manufacturers particularly Micro,Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) that KEBS is committed to supporting compliance rather than punishing businesses.
“KEBS operates an open door policy.We continue engaging manufacturers and MSMEs to demystify certification processes and assures them that we are partners in quality improvement “Kisiangani assume.
The forum formed part of KEBS effort to strengthen public awareness of standards,promote consumer safety and foster closer collaboration with the media in safeguarding the quality of products available in Kenyan market.
