NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a reminder to consumers, urging them to exercise greater caution when purchasing goods.
As part of an ongoing effort to combat counterfeit products and ensure public safety, KEBS is encouraging Kenyans to verify the authenticity of items by checking for standardisation marks.
In a statement, KEBS emphasized the importance of looking for certification marks displayed on products and verifying their validity through the bureau’s official website.
Consumers can easily check the standardisation status of a product by entering the certification number visible on the packaging into the KEBS portal.
“Buy products with visible product certification marks, i.e., standardisation marks of quality,” KEBS stated. “This mark can be verified online. Simply type the number you see on the product and check whether the permit displayed there is genuine or not.”
KEBS emphasized the significant responsibility consumers bear in safeguarding their own well-being by ensuring that the products they buy are approved for sale in the market.
“By verifying these marks, you are protecting yourself and ensuring that the goods you purchase are safe and legitimate,” the bureau explained.
To further protect public health and safety, KEBS also called on consumers to report any suspicious products.
Those who encounter goods that lack proper certification or seem questionable are encouraged to report them to KEBS through various channels, including phone calls, social media platforms, or directly at their offices.
“Blow the whistle if you encounter a product with questionable quality or certification,” KEBS urged. “This can trigger swift action to ensure that only certified, safe products are available in the market.”
The Bureau also assured the public that it conducts regular monitoring and surveillance to ensure compliance with quality standards across the country.
These checks are part of KEBS’s broader strategy to maintain market integrity and consumer protection.
“We are committed to taking strict action against any individual or company found misusing certification marks,” KEBS warned. “Such actions not only jeopardize consumer safety but also undermine Kenya’s reputation as a reputable manufacturing hub in the region.”
The warning from KEBS follows ongoing efforts to curb the sale of counterfeit goods, as well as recent reports of businesses being defrauded by fake KEBS officers.
The bureau reiterated that its certification marks are an essential part of ensuring safe and quality products for consumers and maintaining Kenya’s standing in the regional market.
By taking these preventive steps, KEBS hopes to empower consumers to play a pivotal role in ensuring that only high-quality products enter the Kenyan marketplace.
