The Functions of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was established in 1974 and serves as the national standards body responsible for Standards, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (SMCA) services. Its functions, as outlined in the Standards Act, include:

• Developing, implementing, and maintaining national standards for goods and services.
• Conducting metrology activities, including the calibration and verification of measurements and measuring instruments.
• Performing conformity assessments to ensure that products and services meet the set standards.
• Offering training and certification services related to standards, metrology, and quality management.
• Participating in regional SMCA activities, such as the harmonization of standards, measurements, and conformity assessment procedures within the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
• Operating the National Enquiry Point in compliance with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).

As a body corporate, KEBS has the authority to:

• Initiate or face legal action.
• Acquire, hold, manage, and dispose of both movable and immovable property.
• Enter into contracts and undertake any activities necessary for the effective performance of its functions under the Standards Act.

The National Bureau of Standards in Kenya, known as KEBS, has the following functions:

• Promote standardization in industry and commerce.
• Provide facilities for testing and calibration of precision instruments, gauges, and scientific apparatus, determining their accuracy against approved standards, and issue related certificates.
• Offer facilities for examining and testing commodities, materials, substances, and their manufacturing, production, processing, or treatment methods.
• Regulate the use of standardization marks and distinctive marks under the Standards Act.
• Develop, revise, or amend specifications and codes of practice.
• Promote and engage in educational activities related to standardization.
• Assist the government, local authorities, public bodies, or other entities in creating specifications or codes of practice.
• Facilitate cooperation with the government, industry representatives, local authorities, public bodies, or other entities to promote the adoption and application of standards.
• Conduct testing of locally manufactured and imported commodities, upon the Cabinet Secretary’s request, to ensure compliance with the Standards Act and other related legal quality or description standards.

The appointment of the Director and staff of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) involves the following process:

• The Director of the Bureau, who serves as the chief executive officer, is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Industry, based on the advice of the National Standards Council. This appointment is officially announced through a notice in the Kenya Gazette.
• The National Standards Council, in consultation with the Director, is responsible for appointing the necessary members and staff of the Bureau. These appointments are made to ensure the effective execution of KEBS’s functions and responsibilities.

The National Standards Council, as established by the Standards Act, serves as the Board of Directors for the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). Its composition and powers are as follows:

Composition of the National Standards Council:

• A chairman appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
• A secretary, who is the Director of the Bureau.
• Up to seven public officers appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
• Up to eight persons appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, who have expertise in industrial or commercial standards or other relevant areas to assist the Bureau in its functions.
• The Cabinet Secretary can also appoint up to five additional members after consulting with the Council, to provide occasional assistance or advice.

Powers of the National Standards Council:

• Supervise and manage the Bureau’s administration and financial operations.
• Consult with and advise the Cabinet Secretary on matters related to the Bureau’s purview under the Standards Act.
• Develop policy guidelines to direct the Bureau towards better performance of its functions.
• Undertake all necessary actions to effectively implement the provisions and objectives of the Standards Act, except where specified otherwise.