Reviewed Standards Act to improve goods and services for Kenyans : The Standard

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) is reviewing the Standards Act and developing a National Quality Policy to enhance standardisation and quality infrastructure. The current Standards Act Cap 496 was enacted in 1973 and is being reviewed to align with the contemporary situation. Kebs legal counsel, Brian M’mbwanga, elaborated that the purpose of the review of the Act as to include new terminologies, new aspects of market surveillance and new penalties. Once the new legislations are in place, Kenyans can expect better quality and standardised goods and services, according to M’mbwanga.

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 “The Act will provide a list of offences and penalties that reflects today’s world. The penalties in the current Act do not commensurate with the offences since the value of shilling has gone high since 1973,” said M’mbwanga. Speaking during a workshop in Embu for public participation of the Standards Act, 2019, the counsel said the revised Act would enhance metrology, conformity assessment and market surveillance which will help to deter unscrupulous traders. Head of National Quality Institute Dr Cecilia Mutuku said the Standards Act, 2019 recommends the establishment of a Standards Tribunal where those aggrieved by Kebs can present their grievances for redress. A draft for National Quality Infrastructure Policy is also under review to address challenges that continue to undermine the products destined for the Kenyan market or manufactured in Kenya, to ensure that they comply with international standards. Kebs has convened similar public participation workshops in other parts of the country.

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Related Topics

KebsStandards Act Cap 496