A new wave of extortion is sweeping across Kenya’s business sector—and the culprits are not who you might expect. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has raised the alarm over a growing number of fake inspectors masquerading as officials to extort business owners.
These fraudsters have been staging unauthorized raids across the country, targeting both small retailers and large establishments, demanding hefty bribes under the guise of enforcing consumer protection laws.
KEBS has firmly distanced itself from the illegal operations, urging businesses to stay alert and report suspicious activity immediately.
KEBS Disowns Rogue Private Firm Behind Coordinated Extortion
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has exposed a private firm called Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements for posing as a legitimate consumer protection entity. According to a public notice issued on July 1, the firm has no ties to KEBS and is not legally mandated to conduct any enforcement action.
The revelation follows a surge of complaints from business owners in Bomet County, where impostors carried out illegal inspections in Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu trading centres on June 16. Victims reported being forced to pay bribes of up to KSh20,000 to avoid having their goods confiscated or shops shut down.
The fake KEBS inspectors reportedly expanded their scam to other counties, including Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Kakamega, and Mombasa. Their tactics were aggressive and well-coordinated—targeting entertainment venues, retail shops, and small-scale traders. Victims said the impostors used forged documents and issued fake seizure notices to intimidate business owners into compliance.
KEBS moved swiftly to clarify that it does not work with the said private company and denounced the firm’s use of a previously issued but now cancelled gazette notice to claim legitimacy.
“This company is not affiliated with KEBS in any way. Their actions are illegal and in violation of the law,” the bureau emphasized.
How Fake KEBS Inspectors Operate
The rogue actors behind the scam appear highly organized. Witnesses say they arrive in branded vehicles and wear clothing resembling KEBS uniforms. In some cases, they present fake identification cards and forged documents to lend credibility to their operation.
By the time a shop owner realizes something is wrong, money has changed hands, and the impostors vanish without a trace.
Their most common targets include:
- Retail shops in semi-urban centres
- Nightclubs and entertainment joints
- Supermarkets and wholesale outlets
- Small traders in open-air markets
“They look official and speak with authority. When they showed me their IDs and threatened to close my shop, I panicked and paid,” said one victim from Machakos.
This systematic targeting of businesses across multiple counties suggests a nationwide criminal network operating under the guise of regulatory enforcement.
How Genuine KEBS Inspections Work
To prevent further fraud, KEBS reminded the public of the official procedures that guide its market surveillance operations. Any legitimate KEBS inspection team must present:
- A valid Certificate of Appointment under the Standards Act (Cap 496)
- A KEBS Staff ID clearly displaying name and photo
If KEBS officers collect samples for analysis, they must provide a sample collection form. In cases of non-compliance, a seizure notification form is issued—both of which are official documents.
Without these documents, any individual claiming to be a KEBS official should be treated with suspicion.
KEBS Teams Up With DPP and Police to Nab Criminals
KEBS has vowed to take decisive action. It confirmed that it is working with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Police Service to arrest and prosecute those behind the scam.
The agency is also urging all affected businesses to report incidents immediately.
“KEBS urges all business operators and members of the public to remain vigilant. If approached by individuals claiming to be KEBS officers, demand identification and verify their authenticity,” the statement read.
Business owners are advised to:
- Call the nearest KEBS regional office for verification
- Request to see official appointment letters and KEBS IDs
- Avoid paying bribes or unreceipted fines
- Report all suspicious encounters to the police
This stern warning follows a similar rise in fraud targeting government institutions, where rogue individuals exploit regulatory gaps to steal from unsuspecting citizens.
By going public, KEBS hopes to protect businesses from further exploitation and to reaffirm its commitment to legal, transparent market oversight.
