KEBS Publishes New Standards for Products; Aims to Improve Kenyans’ Safety

New measures by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will see to the standardization of products in the country. The move by KEBS is aimed at improving quality of products by local manufacturers, with the goal of improving Kenyans’ safety.

Online education, production of reusable sanitary towels, farming tools and medical respiration equipment are some of the targeted items.

The standards, which take effect immediately, were developed and published early in the year between January and March. They are set to target food and agriculture, cosmetics, leather and textiles among others.

Guidelines for online learning released by KEBS will see to the provision of fixed structures and communication protocols for distant-learning objectives.

Where uniform communication guidelines that can be used throughout the design, development and delivery of learning objectives will be provided as explained by KEBS Managing Director, Lt Col (Rtd.) Bernard Njiraini.

“It is our belief that this platform will create a better understanding of standards and their importance to the country. May this be a step of inculcating a culture of quality in Kenya,” said Njiraini.

With the aim of promoting menstrual hygiene, KEBS developed the second edition of the standards in producing reusable sanitary towels; majorly used by underprivileged girls and women who cannot afford quality sanitary products.

The bureau stated that the move was informed by research showing that only 35 per cent of women can access quality sanitary products.

Additionally, Njiraini stated that the bureau had developed standards for the design of biogas production, the first ever code of practice for farm and industrial biogas systems. Noting that many Kenyans had not embraced use of biogas despite being an alternative source of energy.

Other notable standardizations included men’s and boys’ trousers and shorts and textile floor coverings.

Article by Sally Lizwa