The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has suspended the manufacturing permits of Rongtai Steel Company Ltd following the discovery of substandard construction materials.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, KEBS announced the suspension after a market surveillance operation revealed that the company had been producing and distributing ribbed bars that failed to meet the EAS 412-2:2019 specifications for concrete reinforcement.
The standards body ordered an immediate recall of all substandard ribbed bars distributed by the company, warning that the products pose significant risks to public safety and the structural integrity of buildings.
“As part of the enforcement measures, KEBS has seized substandard products from the manufacturer’s premises and the market, directed the company to immediately halt production of the non-compliant ribbed bars, ordered a recall of all distributed substandard products from the market, and suspended operations of the company until it demonstrates full compliance with required standards,” read part of the statement.
Public Advisory
KEBS has urged the public to avoid purchasing or using ribbed bars from Rongtai Steel Company Ltd until the company meets the necessary standards.
The regulator highlighted the potential dangers of using substandard construction materials, emphasizing their potential to compromise the safety of buildings and endanger lives.
“As the custodian of standards in Kenya, KEBS remains committed to enforcing regulations that promote fair trade, protect consumers, and support economic growth,” the agency stated.
To ensure safety, KEBS advised consumers to purchase only certified products. Certified items can be identified by checking for KEBS quality marks and verifying product details for authenticity.
Reporting Substandard Products
KEBS encouraged the public to report any suspected substandard products through the Wajibika Na KEBS program. Consumers can verify the validity of the S-Mark permit by sending the code under the mark to 20023 (SM#Code) or the ISM Mark to 20023 (ISM#UCR NO) for product manufacturing details.
If the details are invalid or untraceable, KEBS urged consumers to report such cases via the toll-free number 1545, which is available Monday to Friday during working hours, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The Bureau also appealed to the public to report manufacturers engaging in foul play to help safeguard product standards and ensure public safety.
