KEBS, the Kenya Bureau of Standards

What is the KEBS ?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the government entity responsible for defining and maintaining metrology standards and practices in Kenya. Established by the Standards Act, under Chapter 496 of the Laws of Kenya, KEBS was inaugurated in July 1974.

KEBS’s mission is to improve the quality of life of Kenyan citizens by ensuring that products and services comply with national and international standards. Its objective is to become a world leader in the fields of standardization, metrology and conformity assessment.

KEBS enables the economic and social development of Kenya through various functions :

• Development, dissemination and promotion of standards for products, measurements, materials and processes, nationally, regionally and internationally.

• Certification of industrial products according to voluntary or mandatory schemes, including various quality markings.

• Support for the production of quality goods through training, consulting, research and support services to the public and private sectors.

• Improvement of measurement accuracy through scientific, industrial and legal metrology services, as well as the management of the national measurement system.

• Dissemination of information on standards through publications, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and media.

• Market surveillance to prevent and dispose of non-compliant or hazardous products through inspections, testing, audits and investigations.

• Accreditation and certification of conformity assessment bodies, such as testing laboratories and certification bodies.

• Creation and management of the National Quality Institute, which offers training, certification, recognition and reward services to quality professionals.

Why did you create KEBS ?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was founded to establish a compliance certification system in Kenya, both locally and internationally. This initiative responds to the rapid growth of Kenya’s industrial and commercial sector, similar to other developing nations, highlighting the need to adopt quality standards to ensure competitiveness, safety and consumer protection.

The main objective of KEBS is to support trade and industrialization in Kenya by aligning its standards with those of its trading partners, particularly within the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Through this approach, the KEBS promotes regional integration and facilitates access to international markets, in accordance with the guidelines of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

KEBS contributes to the protection of the environment and public health by developing and implementing standards for waste management, energy efficiency, food safety, water quality and disease prevention. These actions contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

Finally, KEBS strives to promote a culture of quality in Kenya by educating and training actors in the value chain of products and services, including producers, importers, exporters, distributors, conformity assessment bodies, regulatory authorities and consumers. This initiative aims to encourage innovation, continuous improvement and excellence in all sectors.

What are the existing KEBS standards and are they mandatory ?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) develops and disseminates standards across a wide range of sectors, including products, measurements, materials and processes. These standards can be either voluntary or mandatory, depending on their inclusion in regulatory instruments. When a standard is referenced by a regulatory text, complying with that standard becomes the only way to meet the requirements of that text.

The Kenyan standards (KS)

Kenyan standards (KS) are developed directly by KEBS or adapted from international and regional standards. They target a diverse audience, including producers, consumers, conformity assessment bodies and regulatory authorities, covering areas such as terminology, classification, specifications and test methods.

These standards fall into four categories :

• General Standards (KS 01), which address cross-cutting topics such as metrology and quality.

• Sectoral standards (KS 02 to KS 99), specific to sectors such as agriculture or energy.

• Product standards (KS 1000 to KS 9999), which define the characteristics of specific products such as cement or soap.

• Service standards (KS 10000 to KS 19999), which establish requirements for services such as transportation or health.

‍

Kenyan standards are generally voluntary, unless a regulatory text makes them mandatory, specifying the standards concerned and the methods of control and sanction. For example, the KS 1515:2013 standard on male latex condoms has become mandatory via the Legal Notice No. 63 of 2014.

East African Harmonized Standards (EAS)

Harmonized East African Standards (EAS) are developed by the East African Standardization Coordinating Committee (EASC) to facilitate trade and regional integration by standardizing technical requirements for products and services.

They are organized into three categories :

• Fundamental standards (EAS 0 to EAS 99), for general issues such as quality and metrology.

• Horizontal standards (EAS 100 to EAS 999), which cover cross-cutting issues such as environment and safety.

• Vertical standards (EAS 1000 to EAS 9999), dedicated to specific products or services such as milk or tourism.

‍

These standards are voluntary unless otherwise specified by a regulatory instrument. For example, EAS 38:2013 on edible vegetable oils is mandated by the Legal Notice No. 78 of 2017.

International standards (ISO, IEC, ITU, etc.)

International standards, developed by entities such as ISO, IEC or ITU, aim to facilitate trade and international cooperation by establishing common criteria for products and services. They address key issues such as quality and safety.

They shall be adopted on a voluntary basis, unless a regulatory text specifies their mandatory application and associated modalities. For example, the ISO 14001:2015 standard on environmental management system is made mandatory by the Legal Notice No. 121 of 2018.

Which products require KEBS certification ?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) plays an essential role in certifying industrial products to ensure compliance with Kenyan, regional, or international standards. This certification of goods is necessary to give products a competitive advantage, international recognition, facilitate trade and protect consumers. Below we present the categories of products to be certified by the KEBS and the various certification schemes.

Products subject to standard quality marking (S-Mark)

Standard quality marking (S-Mark) is mandatory for certain products before they are placed on the Kenyan market, whether they are manufactured locally or imported. These products, considered critical for health, safety or the environment, must comply with Kenyan or harmonized standards in East Africa. The S-Mark, a logo on the product or its packaging, signals KEBS approval.

Over 400 products require the S-Mark, including :

• Food products : milk, sugar, honey, rice, etc.

• Electrical products : cables, plugs, bulbs, etc.

• Chemicals products: detergents, paints, fertilizers, etc.

• Construction products : cement, bricks, pipes, etc.

• Textile products : clothing, sheets, towels, etc.

• Medical products : condoms, syringes, gloves, etc.

• Products subject to diamond marking (D-Mark)

‍

Diamond Grade Marking (D-Mark) is aimed at products that voluntarily seek to prove their superior quality, performance and reliability. These products must meet Kenyan, regional or international standards and additional KEBS criteria. The D-Mark, displayed on the product or its packaging, demonstrates KEBS approval after a rigorous evaluation.

Over 100 products can receive the D-Mark, including :

• Food products : tea, coffee, fruit juices, etc.

• Electrical products : refrigerators, ovens, fans, etc.

• Chemicals : soaps, shampoos, creams, etc.

• Produits chimiques : savons, shampooings, crèmes, etc.

• Textile products : carpets, curtains, cushions, etc.

• Medical products : dressings, compresses, bandages, etc.

• Products subject to fortification quality marking (F-Mark)

‍

Fortification quality marking (F-Mark) refers to food products that need to be enriched with essential micronutrients (iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A, etc.) to combat nutritional deficiencies. These products must comply with Kenyan or East African standards and follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health. The F-Mark on the product or its packaging indicates compliance with fortification requirements.

Products eligible for the F-Mark include :

• Salt : iodized to prevent goiter and cognitive impairment.

• Sugar : enriched with vitamin A to prevent blindness and infections.

• Wheat flour : enriched with iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 to prevent anemia and birth defects.

• Corn flour : enriched like wheat flour.

• Vegetable oil : enriched with vitamin A to prevent blindness and infections.

Products subject to import quality marking (IS-Mark)

Import Quality Marking (IS-Mark) is required for all imported products, whether or not subject to the S-Mark. These products must meet Kenyan, regional or international standards. The IS-Mark, on the product or its packaging, guarantees compliance with import standards.

There are two certification schemes for imported products :

• The Compliance Verification Scheme (PVoC) for regular imports, requiring inspection and testing before shipment by a body mandated by the KEBS. A certificate of conformity (CoC) is required for customs clearance in Kenya.

• The Destination Verification Scheme (DVoC) for casual imports, with inspection and testing in Kenya by KEBS or a mandated body. A CoC issued by the KEBS or inspection body is required for customs clearance.

Which KEBS certification program to choose ? Are there several ?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) offers various certification programs tailored to the needs of producers, importers, exporters and consumers. These programs ensure that products and services meet Kenyan, regional or international standards, adding significant value to the market. Below we detail the main KEBS certification programs, highlighting their features and benefits.

Management Systems Certification Program (SMC)

The SMC program allows companies to have their management system certified according to international standards. A management system encompasses the processes, procedures, policies and resources necessary to achieve an organization’s objectives. Management systems can be of different types, including :

• The Quality Management System (QMS), compliant with ISO 9001:2015 standard, for the quality of products and services.

• The environmental management system (EMS), according to ISO 14001:2015 standard, to reduce environmental impacts.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OHSMS), compliant with ISO 45001:2018 standard, to prevent occupational risks.

• Information security management system (ISMS), according to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard, to protect information.

• The Food Safety Management System (FSMS), compliant with ISO 22000:2018 standard, for food safety.

‍

SMC certification offers many benefits, such as process improvement, customer satisfaction, cost and risk reduction, competitive advantage and international recognition, thus facilitating market access.

Product Certification Program (CP)

The CP program allows producers, importers and exporters to certify their products to the applicable standards. This certification involves initial evaluation and regular follow-up through inspections and testing. A certificate of conformity (CoC) and quality marking are issued for certified products. Quality markings include :

• Standard quality marking (S-Mark), mandatory for critical products such as food, electrical products, etc.

• Diamond quality marking (D-Mark), voluntary for products exceeding quality standards.

• Fortification quality marking (F-Mark), mandatory for foods enriched with micronutrients.

• Import quality marking (IS-Mark), mandatory for all imported products.

• The benefits of PC certification include ensuring compliance with standards, consumer confidence, reduction of rejects, competitive advantage and trade facilitation.

Service Certification Program (STC)

The SC program allows service providers to certify their services to the relevant standards. This certification requires constant evaluation and monitoring. A certificate of conformity (CoC) and quality marking are also issued for certified services. Quality service markings include:

• Standard quality marking (S-Mark), mandatory for essential services such as health and education.

• Diamond quality marking (D-Mark), voluntary for high quality services.

• Import quality marking (IS-Mark), mandatory for imported services.

‍

SC certification offers benefits similar to those of the PC program, such as compliance with standards, customer satisfaction, reduced litigation, competitive advantage and easier access to markets.

What are the essential criteria for obtaining one of the KEBS standards ?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) enables the assessment and certification of conformity of products and services to established standards in Kenya, as well as at regional or international level. These compliance criteria, which vary depending on the type of product or service, the certification scheme and the standard applied, are essential to ensure quality, safety and performance. We provide an overview of the main criteria required to obtain a KEBS standard, including the sources of information and the necessary documents.

Criteria for the product or service

Product or service specific criteria include the technical requirements defining the expected characteristics and performance, as well as the test methods to verify them. These criteria are determined by Kenyan, regional or international standards developed or adopted by KEBS or other standards bodies. For example, KS 1515:2013 for male latex condoms details the dimensions, physical and mechanical properties, biological characteristics and applicable test methods.

To access the specific criteria, consult the KEBS Standards Catalogue, available online on their official website or in hard copy at their regional offices. This catalogue lists all the standards, their voluntary or mandatory nature. It is also possible to submit standardization requests to KEBS for the development, revision or cancellation of standards.

Criteria relating to the management system

Management system criteria define the organizational requirements necessary to ensure the quality, environment, safety, etc., of a product or service. These criteria are generally based on international standards such as ISO 9001:2015 for the quality management system, or ISO 14001:2015 for the environmental management system. For example, ISO 9001:2015 requires the definition of quality policy and objectives, process planning and control, performance assessment and improvement, etc.

The KEBS standards catalogue, available online or in hard copy, lists the available standards and their status. It is also possible to purchase international standards directly from KEBS or international standards bodies such as ISO, IEC, ITU, etc.

The criteria for conformity assessment

The conformity assessment criteria describe the procedures and conditions necessary for the assessment and certification of conformity of a product or service to the applicable standards. These criteria are defined by the KEBS technical regulations or certification schemes, specifying the stages, documents, costs, deadlines, etc. For example, the Legal Notice No. 63 of 2014 regarding male latex condoms requires the submission of an application for certification to KEBS, the provision of samples for testing, payment of certification fees, acceptance of inspections and audits, etc.