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KEBS warns against substandard vehicle chevrons, warning triangles

A motorist places a warning triangle on the road to alert other drivers of his stationary vehicle ahead. (Photo: Canva)

By Lucy Mumbi | Tuesday, July 2, 2024

KEBS warned that it would pursue other administrative and judicial actions as deemed necessary.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a stern warning to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, vehicle owners, and the general public regarding the quality of motor vehicle chevrons and warning triangles available in the market.

KEBS noted that some brands of these safety devices do not meet the required Kenya Standards, thereby reducing their visibility, especially at night, and increasing the risk of road accidents.

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“It has come to our notice that some brands of motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles currently being sold in the Kenyan market do not meet the requirements of their respective Kenya Standards KS 924:2012 and KS 815:2018 in the coefficient of retroreflection parameter. The implication of this non-compliance is that the retroreflective property of such products is low, thereby diminishing their visibility, especially at night, and increasing the risk of road accidents,” read the notice.

Vehicle chevrons are reflective markings, typically in a V-shaped pattern, applied to the rear of vehicles. The chevrons are designed to increase the visibility of the vehicle, particularly in low-light conditions or at night, helping other drivers see and recognise the vehicle from a distance. Visibility is crucial in reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

On the other hand, warning triangles are portable, reflective, triangular signs placed on the road to alert other drivers of a stationary vehicle ahead.

They are commonly used in the event of a breakdown or accident and are designed to be highly visible, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions, to alert approaching drivers and prevent further accidents.

Motorists drive along a section of the Raila Odinga Road (formerly Mbagathi Road) on April 21, 2024. (Photo: KURA)

Kebs warned that all vehicle chevrons and warning triangles found to be non-compliant will be seized and destroyed at the expense of the importers, manufacturers, or dealers.

The Bureau also mentioned that it would pursue other administrative and judicial actions as deemed necessary.

All stakeholders have been urged to ensure that only motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles with valid KEBS standardisation marks are sold and purchased. This includes valid KEBS standardisation marks for locally manufactured products and valid KEBS import standardisation marks for imported products.

“Vehicle owners and the general public are similarly advised to only purchase motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles with valid KEBS standardisation marks for locally manufactured products and valid KEBS import standardisation marks for imported products,” read the notice.

As a state corporation established under the Standards Act Chapter 496 of the Laws of Kenya, KEBS is responsible for inspecting locally manufactured and imported products to ensure they meet the relevant standards and approved specifications, guaranteeing that only safe and compliant products are available in the country.