The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has flagged three roofing sheets brands, that it has termed as substandard.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, KEBS flagged Haut Intl roofing sheets from Haut International, Mwananchi roofing sheets from Mwananchi Mabati Company Limited and Panda roofing sheets manufactured by Obor Technology Kenya Limited.

KEBS said that the three brands failed the test of hot-dip galvanized plain and corrugated steel sheets specification. The brands also failed the hot-dip aluminium-zinc coated plain and corrugated steel sheets specification.

“The test reports revealed that the weight of the coating metal used by some brands is way below what is stipulated in the Standard. This not only greatly compromises the quality and performance of the Roofing sheet metal but also, manufacturers of these brands are undercutting their competitors, resulting in a very uneven playing ground,” said KEBS.

The regulator also warned that some manufacturers are importing and processing roofing sheets whose widths are below what is stipulated in the standard. Also, some manufacturers were fingered for not labelling at all or not properly labelling some of the roofing products; which is a major non-conformity because, in the absence of adequate marking, consumers are not able to make informed decisions when purchasing the product. 

“Kenya Bureau of Standards, therefore, wishes to warn manufacturers, importers and retailers that KEBS market surveillance officers will seize any substandard roofing sheets found in the market. In addition, Standardization Mark Permits for the non-complying brands shall be suspended until corrective action is undertaken under the supervision of KEBS,” added the statement.

The development comes days after KEBS approved four standards for steel and steel products, which covered among others, roofing sheets.

The approved standards range from steel wire and steel wire products for fencing specifications to high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel for hot-rolled sheets to cold rolled sheets specifications. The other two standards are hot-dip aluminium-zinc coated plain and corrugated steel sheets specification and stainless steel storage tanks specification.

The hot-dip aluminium-zinc coated plain and corrugated steel sheets specification outlines requirements, sampling and test methods for continuous hot-dip aluminium-zinc coated plain and corrugated steel sheets for roofing, cladding, fencing, fabrication and general use. The standard will ensure that the measurement of base metal thickness in pre-painted roofing sheets is effectively evaluated.