Traders selling goods which do not comply with Kenyans standards risk attracting hefty penalties under the proposed Standards Bill 2025.
In a move aimed at strengthening consumers safety and ensuring Kenyan goods are competitive, the bill proposes a Ksh 10 million fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten (10) years or both for any person who manufactures, trades, distributes, sells, exhibits, supplies or imports a product that does not comply with the
requirements of Kenya Standard.
Additionally, the bill also proposes that KEBS have the powers to appoint qualified staff as inspectors to ensure manufacturers and importers adhere to the set regulations.
Under the draft bill, any person who fails without reasonable cause to produce any document
when required to or give information to an Inspector, knowingly gives false or incomplete information to an
Inspector and fails to appear at the premises or Bureau as required to under risk a fine not exceeding Ksh 5 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.
Speaking during the presentation of the bill on Tuesday to the National Assembly’s Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Kebs Director General Esther Ngari backed the bull to help Kenya align its standards to global best practices and improve Kenya’s competitiveness.
“The Standards Bill is a vital national instrument. It will strengthen consumer protection, promote fair trade, and ensure only quality products find their way into the Kenyan market,” she told the committee.
The bill also puts on notice unscrupulous traders who have a habit of applying certification mark on products not cleared by Kebs.
According to bill, any person who applies prescribed certification mark prescribed on any product, without a permit granted by the Bureau risk Ksh 5 million fine or five year jail term or both.
Additionally, the legislation introduces a rigorous framework with mandatory standards for critical products, expanded licensing, and stronger enforcement powers to effectively tackle unsafe goods and misleading content.
