This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
As of July 1, 2020, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has introduced a revised Standardization Mark (SM) scheme, aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in Kenya by addressing logistical and administrative challenges.
According to Lt Col (Rtd.) Bernard Njiraini, Managing Director of KEBS, the revised scheme will now issue manufacturers with a permit valid for two years, accessible electronically, and available for online application and payment.
This change is expected to save time and reduce costs associated with manual applications.
Under the revised scheme, the issuance of Standardization Mark Permits will be based on factory inspection and product sampling for laboratory tests. KEBS inspectors will conduct targeted and random market surveillance, factory inspection, and sampling of products for testing throughout the two-year period.
Manufacturers will also be required to maintain in-house testing and quality control records, which will serve as the basis for maintaining product certification and future permit renewal.
Additionally, KEBS has developed a guideline document for remote assessment activities to complement traditional on-site assessment activities during extraordinary events or circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, 14,400 valid SM permits have been issued by KEBS to manufacturers.
