Editor's Review

The Bureau of Standards pointed out that officials from the said company are defrauding Kenyans under the guise of conducting product inspections in retail outlets.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has sounded an alarm and exposed a private company raiding businesses and defrauding them. 

In a statement, KEBS named Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd which identifies as a consumer rights/protection organisation and purports to be affiliated with KEBS.

The Bureau of Standards pointed out that officials from the said company are defrauding Kenyans under the guise of conducting product inspections in retail outlets that, allegedly, are in breach of the Standards Act and enabling legislation. 

"KEBS has received numerous complaints raised against the afore-mentioned organisation by retailers across the country.

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File image of KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari. PHOTO | COURTESY

"These complaints range from invasion of business premises, seizure of goods, on-the-spot fines, solicitation of bribes, to arrests and detention of the individuals in charge of the retail premises for the sake of extorting ransom money from them," KEBS stated.

"KEBS is not affiliated with Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd and persons purporting to be employed by the organisation, who have gone around the country impersonating KEBS Inspectors and conducting illegal activities in the name of KEBS ranging from invasion of business premises, illegal seizure of goods, illegal on-the-spot fines, solicitation of bribes, to arrests and detention of the individuals in charge of the retail premises for the sake of extortion.

"KEBS is consequently engaging with the relevant authorities with the aim of instituting criminal proceedings against the organisation, its members, and its enablers."

To help traders avoid being scammed, KEBS advised them to correctly verify the staff by sending an SMS with HR#Staff Number to 20023.

In case of a routine inspection, KEBS pointed out that its officers will issue Sample Collection Forms and Seizure Notification Forms to culprits and give them sufficient timelines to respond to KEBS findings.

" Economic operators confronted by individuals claiming to work for KEBS, who fail to identify themselves and their assignment as described herein above, and who conduct an illegal invasion of business premises, illegal seizure of goods, illegal on-the-spot fines, solicitation of bribes, and illegal arrests and detention of the individuals with the aim of extortion, should immediately report the matter to KEBS," the notice read in part.

"Please note that payments for KEBS services are made only via the E-Citizen platform, using the pay bill number 222222. Do not send money to individual mobile phone numbers."