KEBS appoints Esther Ngari acting MD after suspension of Njiraini

**Newly appointed KEBS Acting MD, Esther Ngari.** [File, Standard]

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced changes in its management following the suspension of officials linked to the 2018 sugar scandal.

Esther Ngari has been appointed as the Bureau’s Managing Director (MD) in an acting capacity, following the suspension of Bernard Njiraini.

In the changes announced by the National Standards Council on Thursday, May 18, Benard Nguyo will serve as the Director Quality Assurance and Inspection, but in an acting capacity.

“The National Standards Council wishes to inform the public that the officers will take up the positions below in an acting capacity effective today,” KEBS stated.

Other changes include Zechariah Lukorito- Acting Director Standards Development and Trade, Peter Makan named Acting Chief Manager Quality Assurance in Nairobi, Mutuma Muthuri has been appointed as the Inspection Manager in charge of Mombasa Port office, while Henry Sambul- Acting Assistant Manager (Kilindini).

The changes come a day after President William Ruto suspended 27 officials from several agencies linked to the irregular and criminal release of condemned sugar.

The 27 comprised of officers from KEBS, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), among others.

Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei, in a statement said the sugar consignment comprising of 20,000- 50kg bags were imported in 2018 and condemned by KEBS for want of expiry date specification.

Bernard Njiraini, the Managing Director, and Geoffrey Muriira, the Director Quality Assurance and Inspection were suspended.

KEBS on Thursday maintained that it is “dedicated to its mission of promoting standardization in commerce and industry throughout the country.”