This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
On May 18, 2020, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) took a significant step in ensuring consumer safety by ordering eight companies to withdraw their hand sanitisers from the Kenyan market.
The affected companies, which include Bidco Africa, Kings Palace Ruiru, Virtuelle Products Ltd, Orange Pharma, Kenbrands International Company, Mafleva International Ltd, Shishi Naturals, and Havana East Africa Trading, were found to be manufacturing hand sanitisers that did not meet the requirements of KS EAS 789, the Kenya Standard specification for Instant Hand Sanitizers.
Kebs has made it clear that it will continue to monitor the market and take action against any company that fails to meet the required standards. In a statement, the organization warned that substandard products found during market surveillance and factory inspections will be seized for destruction at the expense of the owner, in addition to any other legal action as provided under the law.
