Kebs deal with Japanese firm for car inspections under scrutiny

Industry PS Juma Mukhwana during the launch of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers' Route to Market Strategy 2025–2027 at Hyatt Place, Nairobi, on April 23, 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard]

The decision by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) to issue a notice informing the public that it had engaged Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ) to carry out validation of import documents to determine the age of used motor vehicles before importation has raised public attention.

The notice, dated July 8, 2025, has caught the attention of Kenyans, given that the levy imposed for the contracted services will increase the cost of imported motor vehicles.