The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has organized a media workshop aimed at sensitizing journalists in Nairobi and raising awareness about its vital role. The goal of the event was to provide media professionals with a deeper understanding of how KEBS develops, enforces, and monitors standards that guarantee product quality and protect consumers. Representatives from KEBS’ Standards Development, Market Surveillance, and Quality Assurance & Inspection directorates engaged with the media, discussing key aspects of their work and emphasizing the significant impact of standards on trade, safety, and economic growth.
As the national standards body, KEBS plays a crucial role in facilitating trade by ensuring that products meet established quality standards, which helps them compete effectively in both local and international markets. These standards create a consistent framework for manufacturing and service delivery, empowering consumers to make informed choices when purchasing. This is where the media steps in, playing an essential role in raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of certified products and services.
Ensuring Accuracy in Measurements
KEBS is also fundamental in the field of metrology, which focuses on maintaining national measurement standards. Through its National Metrology Laboratory, KEBS guarantees that measuring instruments used across various sectors—including healthcare, agriculture, trade, and environmental monitoring—are both accurate and reliable. Proper calibration of these tools ensures fairness in trade, precision in medical diagnostics, and consistency in industrial processes.
The organization provides calibration services to businesses and industries, verifying the accuracy of instruments like weighing scales, fuel dispensers, thermometers, and pressure gauges. By aligning with international metrology systems, KEBS ensures that Kenya’s measurements are recognized globally, promoting standardization and compliance in both local and export markets.
KEBS Standards: Upholding Quality and Consumer Protection
KEBS plays a crucial role in developing and enforcing product standards that not only enhance consumer safety but also promote fair trade practices. When locally manufactured products meet the established requirements, they receive the Standardization Mark (SM), which signifies their compliance with Kenyan standards. On the other hand, imported goods must display the Import Standardization Mark (ISM), ensuring they’ve passed quality checks before hitting the market. For those products that stand out in quality, manufacturers can earn the Diamond Mark of Quality, a prestigious certification that sets them apart from the competition.
To help consumers verify the authenticity of products, KEBS has rolled out an SMS verification service. By simply sending the product’s standardization mark number to 20023, consumers can easily check if a product is certified. Moreover, KEBS actively conducts market surveillance and inspections to ensure compliance and take action against any substandard goods. Though the customer has the will to choose between cheap and high products standards are maintained.
Through ongoing engagement, KEBS is dedicated to ensuring the safety, quality, and reliability of products and services in Kenya, creating a more secure marketplace for everyone. If you have any questions, you can reach KEBS at their toll-free number 1545.
