Exposed: Fraudsters Posing As KEBS Staff To Raid Supermarkets, Shops

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on Monday, January 15 uncovered an alarming scheme which involves fraudsters posing as its officials to raid supermarkets in the country.

In a public notice, the regulator exposed how the individuals posing as inspectors affiliated with KEBS target supermarkets, shops, and hardware owners to extort them.

To trick unsuspecting entrepreneurs, the fraudsters introduce themselves as KEBS inspectors who are usually dispatched to conduct standardisation and conformity assessments.

When demanded to state the true purpose of the raid, the fraudsters change tact and claim they are part of a multi-agency team.

"These individuals, who frequently target retail environments such as shops, supermarkets, and hardware stores, initially claim to be affiliated with KEBS.

"However, when confronted, they often alter their claim, suggesting they are part of a 'multi-agency' team. There have also been reports of these imposters engaging in extortion activities with traders," revealed KEBS.

As a result, KEBS called upon traders, entrepreneurs and members of the public to be wary of suspicious individuals who introduce themselves as inspectors to mask their true intentions.

"Authenticate KEBS Officers: Always ask for the Staff card and National ID, and send an SMS with the format HR#Staff Number to 20023 i.e (HR#0000).

"You will receive a confirmation message with details including the KEBS HR No, staff's name, position, ID number, and status," advised the regulating body.

Should the confirmation prove not to be satisfactory, Kenyans were advised to reach out to KEBS regarding the suspicious individuals for assistance.

However, KEBS indicated that it would only respond to suspicious individuals and their activities during its working hours.

To contact KEBS, use the toll-free line 1545. You can also reach out to them via phone number 0206948000 or email [email protected]

"Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us maintain integrity and service quality. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any information that can assist in this matter," appealed the regulator.

An Act of Parliament established KEBS - the Standards Act, Chapter 496 of the Laws of Kenya. It started its operations in July 1974.

The aims and objectives of the Bureau include the preparation of standards relating to products, measurements, materials, processes, etc., and their promotion at national, regional and international levels.

KEBS also carries out the certification of industrial products; assistance in the production of quality goods; improvement of measurement accuracy and circulation of information relating to standards.

Some of the different marks of quality issued by KEBS. /KEBS