Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has said that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) should not be used to intimidate businessmen and innocent citizens.
Speaking on Tuesday after a meeting with the Somali business community, Odinga said standardization should not be made mandatory in some aspects.
He went on to say that if someone wants to buy something that is substandard, that should be on them and that KEBS should only come if it affects the quality life of the people.
“Standardization should not be made mandatory in certain aspects and the bureau of standards should not be used as an agency for harassment of businessmen and innocent citizens,” said Raila, adding that, “The bureau of standards should be concerned with standards that affect the quality of lives of the people. If somebody is buying something that is substandard, knowing that it’s substandard it’s up to them, unless it’s something that is going to harm the life of this person.”
He mentioned that he sees no reason as to why KEBS should insist on inspecting already used cars.
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“In my view it does not make sense and I don’t think that KEBS should engage in inspection of second hand vehicles which standard is there in second had vehicles? Why should a bureau of standards be approaching agencies to test or inspect used cars. There are no standards for used cars,” he said.
Mr Odinga noted that he founded the agency and is fully aware of what Standardization is about and what it is not about.
