KEBS seeks public views on new rules to improve quality of Kenyan products
By Viola Kosome, May 29, 2026The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has started a nationwide public participation exercise on new regulations aimed at improving product quality, testing standards, and measurements in the country.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Kisumu on Friday, May 29, 2026, KEBS testing team leader Oteko Ocheno said the institution is collecting views from members of the public before the new regulations are finalised and implemented.
The proposed regulations cover three key areas, including product certification, testing and designation of laboratories, and metrology regulations, which deal with measurements and calibration systems.
Ocheno said the public participation forums are a constitutional requirement to ensure Kenyans are given an opportunity to give their views before laws are passed.
“We are here for public stakeholder engagements on regulations that we are presenting to members of the public. Before laws are passed, the public must be consulted so that their feedback can help improve the final regulations,” he said.
He said KEBS has already held similar meetings in Mombasa, Garissa, Meru, Nyeri, Eldoret, and Kakamega before coming to Kisumu.
Meeting the required standards
According to Ocheno, the proposed product certification regulations will clearly explain how products will be certified in Kenya and the responsibilities of both manufacturers and KEBS.
He said the regulations are important because they will help ensure products made in Kenya meet the required standards and can also be accepted in other countries.
“One of the important marks discussed in the regulations is the standardisation mark. This mark is recognised across East African Community countries and helps products move easily across borders,” he said.
Ocheno described the standardisation mark as a “passport” for products manufactured in Kenya because it allows them to be recognised in other East African countries.
He said the testing and designation of laboratories’ regulations are also important because testing helps confirm whether products meet the required standards.
Under the new rules, KEBS will set guidelines for both its laboratories and private laboratories whose reports may be used during product certification.
He explained that laboratories will be required to have proper systems and accredited processes so that their test results can be trusted.
“Those laboratories must have systems that are equal to the systems KEBS has in place so that the test results can be compared and accepted,” he said.
Calibration laboratories
On metrology regulations, Ocheno said the rules will help ensure measurements used in industries and businesses are accurate and can be traced to international standards.
He added that KEBS will oversee calibration laboratories through registration and licensing to ensure they meet the required standards.
According to Ocheno, the regulations will help build trust in certificates, testing reports, and certification marks issued in Kenya.
“This is important because trusted certificates and test reports will help Kenyan goods access larger markets across the region and the continent,” he said.
He added that better access to markets will help grow local industries, create jobs and boost the country’s economy.
Ocheno also explained the process followed before KEBS issues certification marks to manufacturers.
He said KEBS first inspects the manufacturing premises and production process before taking product samples to the laboratory for testing, and if the products fail to meet the required standards, certification cannot be issued.
“The product must meet the required standards before a permit is issued. If the product fails, then it cannot be certified,” he said.
He assured manufacturers that KEBS is committed to supporting local industries while ensuring consumers get safe and quality products.
The Kisumu meeting brought together manufacturers, laboratory representatives, and other stakeholders who are expected to give views that will help improve the proposed regulations before they are adopted.