In a notice on Friday, KEBS dissociated itself with certain individuals working for a private company identifying itself as a consumer rights protection organisation.
According to KEBS, the organisation was falsely claiming affiliation with KEBS and allegedlly unlawfully engaging in enforcement activities under the pretext of implementing the Consumer Protection Act.
“Numerous complaints from the public and business community across the country reveal an organised and widespread pattern of fraudulent conduct,” KEBS claimed.
The service providers highlighted the most recent and alarming incident that was reported on June 16, 2025, in Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu business centres in Bomet where Individuals masquerading as KEBS officers carried out illegal inspections and raids on retail shops and even entertainment clubs, allegedly extorting bribes of up to Sh20,000 per shop.
Similar incidents were also been reported in Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Voi, and Mombasa, indicating that the activities of the suspected impostors are systematic and well-coordinated.
“When legitimate KEBS personnel conduct official duties such as market surveillance, they strictly adhere to laid-down protocols,” KEBS said.
“They must produce their Certificate of Appointment as inspectors under the Standards Act, Chapter 496 of the Laws of Kenya and KEBS Staff Identification Card, which can be verified by sending the HR number from the staff Identity Card via SMS to 20023.”
KEBS noted that it conducts enforcement strictly in accordance with the Standards Act Cap 496 and the Fair Administrative Action Act No. 4 of 2015.
It has also urged all business operators and members of the public to remain vigilant, if approached by individuals claiming to be KEBS officers, by demanding identification and verifying their authenticity immediately by sending the number to 20023.
by JANEMOLLY ACHIENG
