KEBS Seeks Public Input on New Standards Regulations.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has commenced public consultations on three key draft regulations aimed at strengthening the country’s quality infrastructure, enhancing consumer protection, and promoting fair trade.

Speaking during a public participation forum held at Weston Hotel in Nairobi, KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping effective and practical regulations that support economic growth and public confidence.

The draft regulations under discussion include the Standards (Product Certification) Regulations, 2026; the Standards (Scientific and Industrial Metrology) Regulations, 2026; and the Standards (Testing and Designation of Laboratories) Regulations, 2026.Ms. Ngari said the regulations are designed to modernize Kenya’s standards framework and align it with evolving industry needs, technological advancements, and international best practices.”Public participation is not merely a legal requirement; it is the foundation of good governance.

Effective regulation must not only be technically sound but also practical, fair, and responsive to the realities of those it affects,” she said.The forum brought together representatives from government ministries and agencies, county governments, industry associations, manufacturers, laboratory and calibration service providers, consumer organizations, development partners, and the media.

According to KEBS, the proposed Product Certification Regulations seek to strengthen confidence in certified products while providing greater clarity and predictability for manufacturers and traders. The regulations are expected to enhance market access and boost consumer trust in products bearing certification marks.The Scientific and Industrial Metrology Regulations aim to reinforce the accuracy and reliability of measurements used in trade, industry, science, and technology. KEBS noted that accurate measurements are critical in ensuring fairness in commercial transactions, improving industrial efficiency, and protecting consumers.

Meanwhile, the Testing and Designation of Laboratories Regulations are intended to strengthen the competence, credibility, and oversight of laboratories involved in testing and conformity assessment. Reliable laboratory results play a crucial role in supporting regulatory decisions, product certification, and consumer protection.Ms. Ngari underscored the interconnected nature of the three regulatory areas, describing metrology, testing, and certification as the three pillars that support a trusted quality infrastructure system.”Together, these regulations form an integrated system of trust. Metrology assures accurate measurement, testing provides credible evidence, and certification confirms conformity. When these pillars work effectively together, they strengthen trade, protect consumers, and support industrial growth,” she said.She encouraged stakeholders to provide feedback on the practicality of the proposed regulations, implementation timelines, stakeholder obligations, and transitional arrangements.The KEBS Managing Director further noted that Kenya’s economy continues to evolve rapidly due to innovation, industrial growth, regional integration, and expanding global markets, making it necessary for regulatory systems to remain relevant and responsive.She added that the proposed regulations are part of broader efforts to build a marketplace founded on quality, fairness, trust, and competitiveness while supporting national development goals.The public participation exercise is expected to inform the finalization of the regulations before they are submitted for consideration and implementation under the Standards Act, Cap 496.The forum was officially declared open following the Managing Director’s remarks.