The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has launched the KEBS self-service App, a user-friendly mobile application that will provide businesses, consumers, and stakeholders with a convenient platform to access information on standards, regulations, and certification processes.
The KEBS App aims to streamline and enhance the experience of engaging with KEBS services, facilitating efficient trade and ensuring adherence to quality standards to continue to strengthen its Wajibika Na KEBS initiative, a program that allows the public to report cases of substandard products.
The application is already up and running in Google Playstore and it is free to download. To use it one requires enough data.
Once opened, the new app displays KEBS motto, vision, mission and the features.
The app has features include; Verify Standardization Mark, Verify Diamond Mark, Verify Fortification Mark, Certified Products Per Company/Firm, Verify KEBS Staff and Complaints/Feedback. Other features are Verify Import Standardization Mark and Contact Us.
In additon, the user can buy Kenyan standards and renew or apply for standardization mark via the new app.
In attendance were the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana, Chairman of the National Standards Council (NSC), Dr Jeremiah Kinyua and some members of NSC.
Also, the event held at the KEBS headquarters, brought together the management and staff of the institution.
The officials emphasized the significance of upholding standards for effective trade, quality assurance, and safety.
Corruption
The Head of Public Affairs issued a stern warning to the KEBS officials and staff noting that whoever will be involved in corruption will not be spared or sympathized.
He emphasized the agency upholding its mandate to protect the safety of products consumed by Kenyans. He said the parastatal should be at par with quality.
“There will be nothing like orders from above or sacred cows. Resist temptation, the confusion that may lead to lose of government property, hence creating poverty in the country, or even lead to death,” noted Mr Koskei adding that the ICT department KEBS should have enough resources be it workforce, equipment or capital to be able to drive the agenda of the institution.
“By digitization, we can reduce human intervention, hence reducing corruption. Also, the institution should run the processes in the borders in a better way. In addition, KEBS should conduct free and fair recruitment, and promotions and ensure they have enough staff in every department to foster efficiency,” he reiterated.
The Public Affairs officer noted that the institution should raise a total of Sh15 million in revenue to be able to run independently without relying on the government or loans.
“It is commendable that KEBS currently surpassed the Sh5 million revenue collection and hit Sh6.7 million, which is only 30% of the total revenue that should be collected. We want to be the best in Africa. Let’s be honest, diligent and observe the law,” he noted.
The Principal Secretary highlighted the pivotal role that standards play in fostering trade relations, ensuring quality assurance, and protecting consumers. He underscored the importance of standards as a tool that transcends borders, enabling businesses to compete on a level playing field and fostering harmonious trade relations.
“Adhering to internationally recognized standards ensures that products meet quality benchmarks, instilling confidence in consumers and facilitating market access. The Principal Secretary further emphasized that upholding standards is crucial for the safety of citizens, environmental protection, and sustainable development,” said Dr Mukhwana.
The Acting Managing Director of KEBS, Esther Ngari, noted that the government agency will continue to innovate and improve its processes to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.
“The KEBS App that you will launch today, is in line with the government agenda on digitization. We are on a digital transformation journey through the improvement of our ICT infrastructure that will lead to enterprise-wide digitization to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in KEBS processes. As KEBS, we continue to push boundaries, adapt to changing needs, and drive positive change across industries. We hope that our value-added processes will have a positive impact on the customers we serve,” said Ms Ngari.
Wajibika Initiative
To Wajibika, verify whether the S-Mark permit on your product is valid by sending the code underneath the S-Mark to 20023 (SM#Code) or the ISM Mark to 20023 (ISM#UCR NO) to get product manufacturing details.
“If the details are different, invalid or not traceable to the platform, kindly report to KEBS through Toll-Free Number 1545 during official working hours 8.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM, Monday to Friday. Verify the KEBS staff carrying out the Market Surveillance, by sending the staff number to 20023. If you are aware of any kind of foul play by any manufacturer, also report those cases to KEBS through the toll-free number,” KEBS official noted.
