Nairobi, Kenya — The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has distanced itself from individuals linked to a private company posing as a consumer rights protection organisation and falsely claiming affiliation with KEBS.
In a statement issued on Friday, KEBS cautioned that the group has been unlawfully conducting enforcement operations under the guise of implementing the Consumer Protection Act, a move that has led to numerous public complaints.
“Numerous complaints from the public and business community across the country reveal an organised and widespread pattern of fraudulent conduct,” KEBS noted.
The latest reported incident occurred on June 16, 2025, in Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu business centres in Bomet County, where individuals impersonating KEBS officers carried out illegal inspections and raids on retail shops and entertainment venues, reportedly extorting bribes of up to Sh20,000 per establishment.
Similar fraudulent operations have been reported in Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Voi, and Mombasa, raising concerns about a systematic and well-coordinated scheme.
KEBS emphasised that its legitimate officers adhere to strict protocols during official duties such as market surveillance and enforcement.
“All authorised KEBS officers must present their Certificate of Appointment as inspectors under the Standards Act, Cap 496, and a valid KEBS Staff Identification Card,” the agency stated.
Members of the public and business owners can verify the identity of KEBS personnel by sending the HR number found on the staff ID to 20023 via SMS.
KEBS reiterated that all enforcement activities are conducted in line with the Standards Act Cap 496 and the Fair Administrative Action Act No. 4 of 2015, warning businesses to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals posing as KEBS officers.
By Were Kelly
