The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers, in collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), have intercepted a container carrying over 24,000 substandard electrical extension sockets at the Michelcote freight station in Mombasa.
The consignment, valued at Ksh2.5 million, originated from China and weighed 16 metric tonnes.
According to KEBS, the 16 metric ton consignment originating from China was found to violate safety standards.
The sockets, KEBS states, lacked critical safety features, posing risks of electrocution and fire hazards to consumers.
KEBS officials confirmed that the shipment had been handed over to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for either reshipment or destruction at the cost of the importer.
KEBS and KRA Maintain Strict Inspection Measures
Officials from the standards watchdog raised concerns over the safety of electrical imports, stating that only products meeting Kenyan standards will be allowed into the market.
The intercepted extension sockets posed a direct danger to consumers and were declared unfit for sale or distribution within the country.
“What I want to tell any importer bringing their products into the country is that we will not allow any substandard product into this country,” said a KEBS official during the inspection.
“We are here to protect all our consumers,” he added.
KEBS warning
The agency warned that it will remain vigilant with all incoming products, regardless of whether they are inspected at the country of origin or upon arrival.
“For all the products getting to the country, we will not allow anything that does not meet the Kenyan standard,” the official emphasised.
KEBS particularly flagged electrical products as a high-risk category and stated that such items will be subjected to stringent scrutiny before entering the market.
Also Read: Kenyans Warned of Two Companies Issuing Fake KEBS Certificates
“We are very keen, and we are targeting especially all these electrical products getting to the country to make sure that none of them is allowed into our market,” the official stated.
China Trade Week Highlighted Amid Crackdowns
The development comes after a KEBS representative acknowledged that the China Trade Week initiative has contributed significantly to economic engagement between Kenya and China.
Over the past decade, more than 15 Chinese firms have established factories in Kenya, creating employment for over 1,000 Kenyans.
“This year, we have had major deals being signed. A lot of Kenyan companies have signed exclusive distributorship deals with Chinese companies,” said the official.
Also Read: KEBS Issues New Guidelines for Importing Used Cars into Kenya
To mark the 10th anniversary of China Trade Week, organisers also promoted local Jua Kali artisans, offering them a platform alongside Chinese enterprise.
Despite the economic collaborations, KEBS reiterated its commitment to consumer protection, stressing that safety standards will not be compromised for trade gains.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
