KEBS on spot after stating it can’t guarantee the safety of some products in the market
3 min read
Consumer lobby demands explanation from KEBS after its managing director statement it can't guarantee the safety of some products
Consumer lobby demands explanation from KEBS after its managing director statement it can’t guarantee the safety of some products
The Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KEBS) MD Esther Ngari has been questioned by a consumer advocacy group regarding her claim that some locally produced goods sold in supermarkets do not pass testing.
On Thursday, Ngari informed the legislature that the testing organization was depending on trust since some of the producers hold certifications.
All goods sold in Kenya must bear the agency’s standard stamp, which raises concerns about how KEBS has been testing goods that are placed on shop shelves.
Francis Orago, the executive director of the Kenya Consumers Organization, has now urged that the MD withdraw the remark and provide Kenyans an explanation.
“Manufacturers are businessmen and all they want to do is make a profit. If all KEBS does is inspection and works on trust to believe they give consumers quality, then they are very mistaken,” Orago noted.
The MD’s statement on Thursday revealed that consumers are at the mercy of manufacturers, who might fail to meet standards as they cut costs.
Over 10,000 Luos file petition seeking self-determination to leave Kenya and form own country
Registrar declines to release owners of IPPs behind high cost of electricity
Omtatah vows to continue pursuing the Finance Act 2023 petition
Government denying Luo Nyanza farmers subsidized fertilizer- Azimio
Niger Military Council declares a state of high alert after France army attacks its site’s forces
“Manufacturers are businessmen and all they want to do is make a profit. If all KEBS does is inspection and works on trust to believe they give consumers quality, then they are very mistaken,” Orago remarked.
Orago believes that the only way to ensure that corruption is stopped in government is to actually have the culprits pay for their actions.
“The committee should ensure they find out everything about the alleged corruption cases. That’s the only way to ensure people are accountable and avoid such practices. If nothing is done, then nothing will change,” the director asserted.
The KEBS acting MD made the statements during the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly on Thursday, August 10.
The director was called before the committee to explain government’s expenditure of Ksh 125.1 Million on petroleum cylinders, alleged to be riddled with corruption.
The committee led by nominated Member of Parliament John Mbadi however dismissed Esther Ngari for providing substandard answers to their questions.
Also read,
ECOWAS deploys military troops for immediate intervention in Niger
Commonwealth Observer Group issues final report on Kenya’s 2022 election (Document attached)
Niger coup leaders forces ousted President Bazoum feed on dry rice and pasta
Unregistered graduates/employees to be barred from government jobs
Follow us
