This archive report was first published on 23 August 2020.
As the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) continues to play a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of goods in Kenya, questions have been raised about its performance. In this article, Kebs' Managing Director, Bernard Njiraini, responds to these questions and allegations.
Published on August 23, 2020
Corruption at Ports ¶
Kebs has been accused of wanton corruption at the port of Mombasa and border posts, compromising the health of end-users. How does Kebs intend to fight this menace?
Kebs has established elaborate systems to ensure sampling and testing of locally manufactured and imported goods are conducted in a structured manner. Dissatisfied customers have alternative arbitration mechanisms through a tribunal and requests for re-tests.
Standards for Biodegradable Bags ¶
Kebs approved the use of 100% biodegradable bags as alternatives to banned plastic bags. However, an international company requested for approval of standards before proceeding with a joint venture. Why did Kebs include such bags as alternatives without setting the regulations?
Kebs' Managing Director, Bernard Njiraini, clarified that the Gazette Notice No 2356 of February 28, 2017, was not issued by Kebs but by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources. There has been no time that Kebs has approved the use of 100% biodegradable plastic bags. The standards are being discussed at the technical committee level and will be ready by June 2021.
Aflatoxin in Food ¶
Several instances of aflatoxin in maize flour have been reported, yet Kebs exists to ensure consumers get good and healthy products. Is this all because of corruption?
Aflatoxin in food arises from the growth of fungi that release the toxin called aflatoxin. It comes as a result of poor handling of cereals and can be introduced at any stage of the value chain, including at home, as long as the conditions are favorable for growth of the fungus.
Original vs Counterfeit ¶
Cases of substandard goods in the market have been common, with some traders asking if customers want original products or counterfeits due to price differences. How much does this affect the economy, and what is Kebs doing about it?
Market demand diversity dictates that there should be variety in terms of the degree of quality based on people's purchase power. However, Kebs' standards always define the minimum specifications for proper functioning of the products.
Arrest and Allegations ¶
Kebs' Managing Director, Bernard Njiraini, was arrested and spent some time at the EACC offices in Nairobi, allegedly for obstructing investigations into allegations of bribery in the procurement of tenders for pre-export conformity of goods, used motor vehicles, and spare parts at Kebs. Could you speak on this and explain why Kebs was not cooperating in the investigations?
Kebs operates under public service guidelines, and all documents are public and held as per the procedures of government documents control. Delays were misconstrued to be hiding documents.
Quality of Masks ¶
Kebs banned three types of substandard masks, arguing that they are risky and give a false sense of protection against Covid-19. What should one look at when purchasing a face mask?
Kebs operates a product certification scheme that entails allowing manufacturers who meet standards to apply the standardization mark on the product. The mark is issued after an evaluation of a company's production systems to ensure the manufacturer has quality controls in place and after demonstrating compliance with the standard.
Regulation of Hips and Breasts Enhancers ¶
What is the role of Kebs in regulating the importation and sale in Kenya of hips and breast enhancement products? They are all over the place yet do not bear any standards mark or anything to show that they have been approved for sale in Kenya.
Health-related products are regulated under various laws, and there are various agencies involved. Kebs' role is to check if a product meets the requirements of the applicable standards.
