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KEBS flags private firm after impersonation claims during inspections

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) ensures goods and services conform to standards, a role which is pivotal to enhancing the quality of life. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Lucy Mumbi | Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The bureau's warning is against the Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd, which it says has been reported for fraudulent activities.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has warned retailers about a private company posing as a consumer rights organisation and falsely claiming affiliation with it.

The company, according to KEBS, has been reported for fraudulent activities, including invading business premises, seizing goods, imposing fines, soliciting bribes, and making illegal arrests.

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In a notice on Tuesday, KEBS clarified that it is not associated with the organisation and urged the public to be vigilant.

“It has come to the attention of the KEBS that certain individuals, working for a private company going by the name Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd which identifies as a consumer rights/protection organisation and purports to be affiliated with KEBS, are defrauding Kenyans under the guise of conducting product inspections in retail outlets that, allegedly, are in breach of the Standards Act and enabling legislation,” read the notice.

“KEBS has received numerous complaints against the afore-mentioned organisation by retailers across the country. These complaints range from invasion of business premises, seizure of goods, on-the-spot fines, and solicitation of bribes to arrests and detention of individuals in charge of retail premises for the sake of extorting ransom money from them.”

The bureau noted that its staff formally identify themselves during operations.

“When KEBS staff are out of the station in the execution of its legal mandate, which includes conducting market surveillance, they officially identify themselves and, where applicable, produce certificates of appointment and staff identification cards confirming the authenticity of assignments,” it said.

To distinguish legitimate KEBS inspectors from impostors, the public was advised to request official identification and verify it by sending an SMS with the HR#Staff Number to 20023.

KEBS also clarified that their inspectors do not have the authority to impose on-the-spot fines or make arrests. Instead, they issue sample collection and seizure notification forms during market surveillance activities, giving suspects enough time to respond to their findings.

“KEBS routinely conducts market surveillance as per its approved work plans, where goods available for retail in markets are sampled for analysis and conducts entry, search and seizure activities pursuant to the Standards Act. KEBS does not impose on-the-spot penalties/fines, neither do its inspectors possess arresting powers."

The bureau asked the public to report suspicious activities to it via the toll-free line 1545, or to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) via the toll-free line 0800 722 203.

“KEBS is consequently engaging with relevant authorities with the aim of instituting criminal proceedings against the organisation, its members and its enablers,” reads the notice.

Additionally, payments for KEBS services should only be made via the eCitizen platform using the pay bill number 222222, not to individual's mobile phone numbers.