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Steve Umidha @UmidhaSteve

Manufacturers applying for the Standardisation Mark (SM) will now be issued with a permit valid for two years and accessible electronically as from yesterday.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) said the new certificates will be issued electronically in an effort to save time and reduce costs associated with manual applications. 

Managing Director Bernard Njiraini said under the revised SM scheme, manufacturers will be issued with a permit that is valid for two years instead of one year as has been the case. 

Manufacturers, he added, will also be able to apply and make payment for the SM Permit online. 

“Additionally, the SM Permit will also be prepared and transmitted electronically,” Njiraini said in a statement.

The revision of the scheme comes as the Standards body seeks to improve efficiency and enhance the ease of doing business in the country.

It will do this by addressing logistical and administrative challenges, including delays in processing of SM permits that have often led to loss of business opportunities and undue shortages of respective goods.