The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a public notice alerting motorists and the general public about substandard motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles currently being sold in the market.
In a statement on July 2, KEBS said these products do not meet the safety requirements as outlined by the Kenya Standards KS 924:2012 and KS 815:2018, particularly in their Co-efficient of Retroreflection.
“It has come to our notice that some brands of motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles currently being sold in the Kenyan market do not meet the requirements of their respective Kenya Standards,” KEBS stated.
The retroreflective property is crucial for ensuring the visibility of chevrons and warning triangles, especially at night.
Danger of Motorists Using Substandard Chevrons and Portable Warning Triangles
KEBS noted that non-compliant products pose a significant risk by diminishing visibility, thus increasing the likelihood of road accidents.
However, the notice was addressed to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and vehicle owners, emphasizing the importance of only marketing and purchasing products bearing valid KEBS standardization marks.
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These marks indicate compliance for both locally manufactured and imported products.
KEBS further warned that any motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles found to be non-compliant will be confiscated and destroyed at the expense of the importers, manufacturers, or dealers.
“All motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles that shall be found not to comply with the requirements of the relevant Standards in the Co-efficient of Retroreflection parameter shall be seized by the Bureau and be destroyed at the importers’, manufacturers’ and/or dealers’ expense,” KEBS warned in a notice.
Role of KEBS
The Bureau also mentioned it would pursue any necessary administrative and judicial actions against violators.
Motorists and consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of KEBS quality marks through the KEBS Official Mobile App or by sending a text to 20023.
This move is part of KEBS’ broader efforts to enhance road safety and ensure that only safe, compliant products are available in the Kenyan market.
The Bureau reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards and thanked the public for their cooperation.
KEBS is a state corporation established under the Standards Act, mandated to inspect locally manufactured and imported products to ensure compliance with safety standards.
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Statistics of Road Accidents
Road safety remains a critical issue globally, with the World Health Organization estimating over 1.35 million deaths annually due to road traffic accidents.
The report also stated that road traffic accident had fallen slightly and the efforts to improve road safety had a positive impact and that significant reductions in road traffic deaths could be made if proven measures are applied.
Furthermore, road traffic injuries remain the leading killer of children and young people aged 5-29 years with more than half of the fatalities occurring among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
“More than half of fatalities occur among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, in particular those living in low and middle-income countries,” the report read.
It adds, “Urgent action is needed if the global goal of at least halving road traffic deaths and injuries by the year 2030 is to be achieved.”
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