The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a public notice on certain individuals impersonating government officials to steal from Kenyans.
KEBS said the fraudsters work for a private company named Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd which identifies as a consumer rights protection organization.
The Company purports to be affiliated with KEBS and the conmen are defrauding Kenyans under the guise of conducting product inspections in retail outlets that, allegedly, are in breach of the Standards Act and enabling legislation.
“KEBS is not affiliated with Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd and persons purporting to be employed by the organization, who have gone around the country impersonating KEBS Inspectors and conducting illegal activities in the name of KEBS ranging from invasion of business premises, illegal seizure of goods, illegal on-the-spot fines, solicitation of bribes, to arrests and detention of the individuals in charge of the retail premises for the sake of extortion,” the statement read in part.
The Bureau, according to the notice, has received numerous complaints raised against the aforementioned organization by retailers across the country.
These complaints range from invasion of business premises, seizure of goods, on-the-spot fines, and solicitation of bribes, to arrests and detention of the individuals in charge of the retail premises with the aim of extorting ransom money from them.
“KEBS is consequently engaging with the relevant authorities with the aim of instituting criminal proceedings against the organization, its members and its enablers,” read the statement in part.
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How to Identify KEBS Officials
KEBS said its staff officially identify themselves by producing the Certificates of Appointments and KEBS Staff Identification Cards confirming the authenticity of the assignment when they are out in the field.
Besides, their identification can be confirmed by sending an SMS with HR#Staff Number to 20023.
Additionally, the Bureau said it routinely conducts market surveillance as per its approved plans, where goods available for retail in markets are sampled for analysis and conducts entry, search, and seizure activities under the Standards Act.
However, KEBS does not impose on-the-spot penalties or fines, nor do its Inspectors possess arresting powers.
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How to Know Conmen and Report
In addition, during a market surveillance field inspection activity, and in line with the provisions of the Fair Administrative Action Act, KEBS Inspectors issue Sample Collection Forms and Seizure Notification Forms to culprits and give them sufficient timelines to respond to KEBS findings.
“Economic operators confronted by individuals claiming to work for KEBS, who fail to identify themselves and their assignment as described here in above, and who conduct illegal invasion of business premises, illegal seizure of goods, illegal on-the-spot fines, solicitation of bribes, and illegal arrests and detention of the individuals with the aim of extortion, should immediately report the matter to KEBS during working hours from 8.00 AM-1.00 PM and 2.00 PM – 5.00 PM, Monday to Friday through Toll-Free Line 1545 and the DCI through Toll-Free Line 0800 722 203,” KEBS advised.
Notably, payments for KEBS services are made only via the E-Citizen platform, using the pay bill number 222222.
The Bureau warned Kenyans not to send money to individual mobile phone numbers.
