Kebs decries surge in counterfeit goods
Kenya Bureau of Standards Managing Director Charles Ongwae speaks during a sensitisation workshop on water bottling, at Panari Hotel in Nairobi on May 11, 2016. He has lamented over the proliferation of bogus goods in the country. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Ongwae urged firms importing goods into the country to follow the rule of law.
- Kenya is ranked among one of the largest markets for counterfeit goods in East Africa.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has raised concern over the proliferation of counterfeit goods into the country.
Kebs Managing Director Charles Ongwae urged firms importing goods into the country to follow the rule of law.
Speaking in Nakuru today, Mr Ongwae said products coming into Kenya must first be inspected at the country of origin, then upon arrival.
“Upon inspection and confirmation that the product meets specifications, we then issue an import standardisation mark.
"We have issued instructions to all supermarkets not to stock imported products that do not have an import standardisation mark, and I ask Kenyans to be on the lookout,” he advised.
Mr Ongwae said measures taken are aimed at safeguarding Kenyans from unscrupulous dealers who have been faking Kebs marks.
According to Kebs, Kenya is ranked among one of the largest markets for counterfeit goods in East Africa, and serves as the distribution point.
