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The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has refuted claims that its Mark of Quality on brands in retail outlets is ineffective.

According to an earlier report by a local daily, the Diamond Mark of Quality does not give a guarantee to the quality of goods that bear it.

However, according to the management, the report casts unwarranted doubts on KEBS’ Quality Assurance Procedures and Products.

“The mission of KEBS, as defined by its clear mandate, is to provide standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment solutions for sustainable development. The role of KEBS in ensuring that goods and services conform to standards is pivotal in enhancing the quality of life, and consumer protection, and in fostering trade, industry, and innovation,” the agency stated.

“Kenya Bureau of Standards issues Product certification to manufacturers who meet the criteria provided for under the Standards Act and, International Standard ISO/IEC 17065:2012, which outlines the internationally recognized best practices in product certification. In summary, the process involves rigorous inspection and evaluation of the manufacturer’s premises, sampling and testing of the products, and signing of a Scheme of Supervision and Control or Product certification contract with KEBS as a commitment to continuous compliance with the relevant standards and regulations governing the product.”

KEBS Diamond Mark of Quality

According to KEBS, the Diamond Mark of Quality is not a token emblem but signifies a manufacturer’s capability to consistently produce compliant products, over and above the minimum requirements set in the product standards.

“The Diamond Mark of Quality is a voluntary mark, superior to the mandatory Standardization Mark of Quality,” the statement added.

The watchdog said that contrary to the reports, in the financial year 2022/2023 it tested over 60,000 consumer products.

The standardization agency says after inspection and issuing of the mark of quality, the manufacturer is required to test or make arrangements for testing their products on a regular basis.

“KEBS samples and tests the product and only issues that certification mark if the product meets the requirements of the relevant Kenya Standard for the product. The manufacturer must sign a certification contract with KEBS which is a systematic guide to quality management activities that the manufacturer shall implement the quality assurance activities as agreed throughout the validity period,” the statement added.

The agency says it undertakes surveillance inspections, with sampling done either at the factory or market during the validity period.