NAIROBI, Kenya – Parliament has opened an investigation into the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) over a multibillion-shilling tender for pre-export inspection of imported goods, amid fears the deal is inflating the cost of vehicles for Kenyan buyers.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, chaired by Shinyalu MP Bernard Shinali, has summoned senior officials to respond to questions surrounding the tender and a new Sh12,000 charge imposed on used-car importers.
The probe follows uproar from traders after KEBS directed importers of used vehicles without roadworthiness certificates to pay Japan’s Quality Inspection Services Inc. (QISJ) for validation documents at an additional cost of Sh12,000.
Critics argue the directive was introduced without public participation and risks raising car prices further.
Togo Motors Ltd has already challenged the move in court, saying it lacked transparency and legality. The case will be mentioned on October 21.
Tender Controversies
The inspection contract, formally known as the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC), is meant to ensure imported goods meet Kenyan safety, quality, and environmental standards.
KEBS awarded the 2025–2028 contract to QISJ after dismissals of multiple appeals by rival firms, including Precision Experts Ltd, TUV Austria Turk, TIC Quality Control, and Bay Area Compliance Laboratories Corp, which cited alleged procurement irregularities.
Despite court rulings allowing KEBS to proceed, MPs argue the system is riddled with flaws.
They warn that while importers pay billions annually for pre-inspection, accident-damaged cars still find their way into the Kenyan market.
A 2019 special audit by the Auditor General found KEBS had flouted legal advice when awarding previous PVoC tenders, while the Public Investments Committee later held former MD Bernard Njiraini personally accountable for procurement irregularities.
Officials on the Spot
The committee has now summoned Industry Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana, KEBS MD Esther Ngari, and Kenya Accreditation Service CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti to explain the decision-making process behind QISJ’s engagement.
“In exercise of its mandate to review the performance of departments and agencies under its oversight, the committee has resolved to invite you to the meeting to apprise it of the issues,” reads the invitation letter.
KEBS insists the inspection programme protects consumers by weeding out fraudulently certified vehicles and ensuring compliance with the eight-year import age limit.
Records show the bureau inspected more than 409,000 vehicles between 2015 and 2019.
But lawmakers say the latest levy is punitive, with MPs warning it will drive up costs for ordinary car buyers.
