The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has flagged down two companies for engaging in fraudulent activities.
In a notice published on November 18, KEBS revealed that the companies, MQA Certification Kenya Ltd and MQA Certification UK Ltd, were illegally issuing certifications while impersonating KEBS.
“It has come to our attention that entities going by the name MQA Certification Kenya Ltd and MQA Certification UK Ltd are purporting to have been approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to issue certifications in Kenya,” the notice stated.
KEBS clarified that the two companies were neither approved nor affiliated with the bureau.
“Kindly note that KEBS has not issued any such approval and neither is it in any way affiliated with the entities,” the statement affirmed.
The agency further accused the companies of defrauding Kenyans by falsely claiming to be KEBS-approved.
“The false statements, therefore, must be read as a manifest intention to defraud the public,” KEBS warned.
KEBS also cautioned the public against engaging with the companies for certification services, urging Kenyans to verify the authenticity of certification providers directly through the KEBS website or offices.
In recent months, KEBS has been marred by controversies over counterfeit goods. Less than a month ago, the bureau’s quality control officers seized 15,000 bags of contaminated rice at a storage facility in Embakasi. The rice, concealed behind sacks of flour, was allegedly being distributed to unsuspecting consumers.
In October, a Senate investigation uncovered the circulation of counterfeit imported edible oils in the country. Documents presented to the Senate revealed that between May and November 2023, some imported oils failed to meet local standards despite carrying certificates of conformity.
The investigation also revealed that the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) had engaged suppliers to import edible oils to stabilize prices. However, of the 73 consignments received, only 44 were approved by KEBS, with 23 still pending customs clearance.
KEBS has called on the public to remain vigilant and use official channels to verify any certification services.
