ONG’UDI: Let’s uphold quality standards even in times of crisis

Many were shocked to hear the news of the recent turning away of the oil tanker, MT Ocean Tiara, from the Kipevu oil terminal in Mombasa.

Arriving on March 19 with 75 million litres of fuel, as per regulations, the cargo on board was subsequently rigorously inspected.

The results led port officials to deem the cargo substandard and unfit for the Kenyan market, a decision which was later confirmed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), the body which has the final say in such matters.

Refusing any supplies, let alone much needed fuel, might seem counterproductive in times of crisis.

Indeed, port officials were later criticised for their actions. We must remember however, that despite the crisis our country finds itself in, national standards must be upheld, particularly when it puts the lives of Kenyans at risk.

Considering the circumstances, and in comparison with many of our African neighbours, Kenya has been faring exceptionally well.

Widespread shortages in both basic supplies and medical equipment have been reported globally. Very different is our situation at home, where citizens are finding well-stocked shelves in supermarkets and no shortage of basic goods has been reported.

Adequate preparation before coronavirus struck Africa ensured this. This was the product of careful strategic planning by the government. The government formed an ad-hoc committee on health as well as an inter-ministerial technical committee to identify and address challenges that might arise.

The government found it prudent to establish a framework to upscale and coordinate Kenya's preparedness and national response to the Coronavirus threat. The consequences of delayed action to combat the virus are evident in places such as New York and London.

This pandemic has shown us that the world needs leaders who are quick to act, especially when the well-being of citizens is at stake.

The need to ensure the well-being of our own citizens means that we cannot give up on quality assurance standards.

Regulations surrounding these have been carefully determined by experts at the Kebs to keep Kenyans safe.

We need not be reminded of the long list of unnecessary deaths due to medications that do not meet health standards. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these have led to deaths of over 100,000 people across the continent annually.

Substandard fuel in particular brings with it a host of deadly risks. It has negative effects on the environment.

This has been directly linked to respiratory illness, particularly in the young and elderly. Air pollution, according to UN estimates, kills more people in our country than malaria.

Upholding standards put in place by the government to protect us can prevent these deaths.

A further risk from substandard fuel, is its flammability. Fires kill far too many people for us to not take this issue seriously.

The chilling images of the fire which claimed the lives of 15 innocents, while injuring 70 more, at the Gikomba market in Nairobi are still fresh in all our minds.

Although we are yet to determine the source of the fire, upholding product standards set in place by the government, even in times of crisis, is critical to preventing such tragedies from occurring.

The safety of our citizens has always been the government’s priority. This cannot be comprised.

Preventative measures are worthless without people’s support.

By exhibiting such mutual support, our nation will emerge stronger and safer than ever.