Frequently asked questions

A Standard is a document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context.

It is a technical document developed through consensus detailing the requirements necessary to ensure that a material, product, service, or procedure is fit for its intended purpose. Standards serve as a guide for production of goods and provision of services, and are a basis for trade transactions.

Standards affect everybody including but not limited to; manufacturers, importers, exporters, consumers, regulators and all interested publics.

Standards development are initiated by stakeholders: consumers, academia/ research institutions, manufacturers/industry, professional bodies, Government agencies, renown expert’s relevant associations and any interested party.

Standard

This is a document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context.

NOTE: Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience, and aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits.

Regulation

Document providing binding legislative rules, that is adopted by an authority.

Technical Regulation

Provides technical requirements, either directly or by referring to or incorporating the content of a standard, technical specification or code of practice.

NOTE: A technical regulation may be supplemented by technical guidance that outlines some means of compliance with the requirements of the regulation.

Standards are available at the Standards Information Centre (SIC) based at KEBS Headquarters and at all regional offices at a fee. The SIC is open to all members of the public. You may also purchase a standard online through KEBS Webstore link: (http://webstore.kebs.org)

There is a catalogue of developed Standards which is available online on (http://onlinecatalogue.kebs.org)

Requests for the development/revision of a Standard can be made through the link: https://www.kebs.org/index.php?option=com_chronoforms6&view=form&Itemid=251 

The advantages include:

i. Enhancement of quality and reliability

ii. Safety and environmental protection measures

iii. Minimization of wastage

iv. Reduction of costs

v. Reduction of unnecessary varieties

vi. Promotion of interchangeability

vii. Increased productivity in the industry

viii. Transparency in production information

ix. Suitability of products for vulnerable population

x. Consumer protection

xi. Choice and fair competition

The Standards Information Centre (SIC) was established on the basis of the International Organization for Standardization Information Network (ISONET) and is designed to promote dissemination and the flow of information on standards and related documents.

ou can access the following information/ services:

i. Distribution/circulation of:

a. Kenya standards,

b. Standards from various national, regional, and international standards bodies,

c. Technical books, and

d. Complete set of the Laws of Kenya.

ii. Online Catalogue

Which Kenya Standards have been developed so far?

You can be able to see a list of all Kenya standards developed so far by searching in the Kenya standards online catalogue – http:// onlinecatalogue.kebs.org. You can search by product, Kenya Standard (KS) number, Technical Committee (TC) name in addition to free-text searching.

iii. Sale of Kenya Standards

What format are Kenya Standards available in?

The Kenya standards are available in both Printed format and Electronic (PDF) format.

Kenya Standards are available at the following areas:

• Standards Information Centre at the KEBS Headquarters.
• KEBS Regional offices located in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri and Garissa.

You can buy through:

• The KEBS web store https://webstore.kebs.org 
• Visit our offices in person
• Email – by sending your request after payment and the electronic copy will be mailed to you.

The standards are protected by copyright and are available on single-user license.

Copying/reproduction/redistribution and internet/Network/intranet sharing is prohibited.

Standards Levy is an amount payable by manufacturers to Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS) at the rate of 0.2% of the turnover in respect of manufacture during each month excluding VAT and discounts if any. The amount is subject to a minimum of Ksh 1000 per month and a maximum of Ksh 400,000 per annum.

The Standards levy order commenced on 1st July 1990 vide legal notice number 267 of 22/6/1990

All manufacturers. All manufacturers are required to notify The Managing Director KEBS by filing the Standards Levy notification form (SL1) available on the KEBS website.

A manufacturer is defined as any person, or persons who produce, process, test, install, treat, operate and use (reference Standards Act Cap 496 sect 2)

Failure to notify the The Managing Director as aforesaid shall not affect the obligation of a manufacturer to pay the levy in terms of the Order.

Standards Levy is paid through the KRA I-tax portal

Standards levy payment is due on or before 20th day of the succeeding month for which the levy is being paid.

A penalty at the rate of 5% per month shall be imposed for each month that the amount remains unpaid. Reference (Standards Act Section 10B).

Payment of Standards levy is due in the succeeding month of the first month of sales with respect to manufacturing.

Any person or persons who fails to remit the Standards levy due as required shall be guilty of an offence. Non-payment of any sum due shall be deemed as a civil debt recoverable at source by The Managing Director or any persons authorized by him.

Any manufacturer whose annual turnover shall not exceed KES 200,000 is exempted from paying Standards levy.

You may visit the KEBS website and review the activities listed as the classes of industry which are considered manufacturing.

PVOC stands for Pre-export Verification of Conformity to Standards. PVOC Program is a conformity assessment program applied to products at the respective exporting countries, to ensure their compliance with the applicable Standards and Regulations.

The Standardization Mark is a product certification mark issued by KEBS under the Standards Act for products made in Kenya that demonstrate conformity to the relevant Standards or approved specifications. It is valid for 2 years and is renewable. It is also referred to as S-Mark or SM.

It is a mandatory scheme that allows manufacturers to apply for a fortification logo for Wheat flour & Maize Flour (Zn, Fe or Vitamin A) and Edible Oil (Vitamin A), administered by KEBS on behalf of Ministry of Health Any manufacturer applying for Fortification logo must have acquired the S-Mark or D-Mark in accordance with KEBS procedures. The fees payable for acquiring Food Fortification Mark is Kshs. 20,000 (add VAT) per product per brand.

The Diamond Mark is a voluntary Mark of excellence that covers both locally manufactured and imported products. It is issued by KEBS on behalf of the Kenya Government. It is valid for 4 years. It is also referred to as the D Mark.

Metrology is the science of measurement and its application KEBS is the custodian of the National Reference Standards of Measurement in Kenya.

• The primary function of the Testing Services Department is to provide tests or measurements in areas of Chemistry, Engineering, Polymer and Microbiology for Conformity Assessment.
• It provides testing services to a wide range of clientele that include, but are not limited to: manufacturers, importers, exporters, non- governmental organizations, government departments, research institutions, merchants and KEBS quality inspectors who implement Kenya Standards.

1. Monitoring the compliance to Standards of products sold in the Market
2. Conduct investigations on consumer products related complaints
3. Participate in Multi Agency activities targeting goods placed in the market
4. Enforcement of mandatory Standards (e.g. through seizures, prosecution and any other related sanctions)
5. Creation and promotion of awareness on Standardization issues to the public and stakeholders

NQI is a department within KEBS which is charged with the responsibility of entrenching a culture of quality within Kenya through practical application of standards, training and process improvement.