KEBS steps up fight against fake goods with consumer awareness drive

KEBS Director, Standards and Development Trade, Zacharia Lukorito speaks during a consumer sensitization workshop in Machakos on Thursday. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has intensified consumer awareness campaign as it seeks to counter proliferation of substandard and illicit products in the country.

Managing director, Esther Ngari says the institution has adopted a multi-agency approach and market intelligence in identifying the merchants of illicit goods with a view to dismantling the networks while at the same time protecting the consumers from exposure to dangerous goods.

"KEBS has developed a market surveillance strategy which provides a framework for improved delivery of the role of the Market Surveillance Directorate in promoting consumer protection while at the same time facilitating fair trade in the marketplace," Ms Ngari said in a speech read on her behalf by the director of standards and development, Zachariah Lukorito.

However, KEBS says despite the efforts, Kenya still records a high number of consumer complaints on substandard products in the market.

"As a regulator, KEBS is concerned that consumers, in addition to being exposed to substandard products, are not getting value for their money. This goes contrary to Consumer Rights as enshrined in Article 46 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and The Standards Act," she told stakeholders during a workshop on consumer protection in Machakos.

She noted that the creation of an independent Market Surveillance Directorate was a demonstration of KEBS' commitment on consumer protection and trade facilitation.

KEBS, she said, was also keen on engaging the government to explore ways of equipping traders with tools and knowledge necessary to identify, source and sell quality products that comply with product standards.

Citizens were urged to swiftly report any suspected illicit or non-compliant goods to the relevant government authorities for action.

Among the State agencies KEBS has partnered with to execute its mandate are the National Police Service, the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Communication Authority of Kenya and the Kenya Revenue Authority. Others include county governments and Weights and Measures.