Shops told to reject imports without quality marks

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has raised concern over the proliferation of counterfeit goods into the country.

Managing Director Charles Ongwae has urged firms importing goods into the country to follow the rule of law.

The Kebs boss said Thursday products coming into Kenya must first be inspected at the country of origin and inspected at destination.

“Upon inspection and confirmation that the product meets specifications, we then issue an import standardization mark,” Mr Ongwae said.

“We have issued instructions to all supermarkets not to stock imported products that do not have an import standardization mark, and I ask Kenyans to be on the lookout.”

Mr Ongwae, who was speaking in Nakuru, said the measures are meant to safeguard Kenyans from unscrupulous dealers who use fake Kebs marks of quality, especially the Import Standardization Mark, which Kebs issues to importers.