The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has raised the alarm over a company accused of illegally impersonating its officers and extorting business owners across the country.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, KEBS disassociated itself from a private firm identified as Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd, which it says is falsely claiming affiliation with the national standards body.
According to KEBS, individuals from the company have been masquerading as KEBS inspectors and conducting illegal operations under the guise of enforcing the Consumer Protection Act.
The company, reportedly led by Edward R. Olang, has been targeting business owners with unauthorized raids, fake inspections, and demands for bribes of up to Sh20,000 per shop.
“The most recent and alarming incident was reported on June 16, 2025, in Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu business centers in Bomet County.,” the statement reads.
Similar fraudulent operations have been reported in several other counties, including Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Voi, and Mombasa.
KEBS clarified that Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd (Company Registration No. C.115299) is a private company with no connection to KEBS.
It noted that earlier gazette notices which may have given the impression that the company was authorized to operate as a consumer rights body have since been cancelled through Kenya Gazette Vol. CXVII-No.31, issued on February 14, 2025.
In the statement, KEBS emphasized that its legitimate staff always carry proper identification when carrying out official duties.
These include a Certificate of Appointment under the Standards Act and a KEBS Staff Identification Card. Members of the public can verify the identity of KEBS officials by sending the HR number on the ID card via SMS to 20023, or by calling the KEBS toll-free number 1545. Verification can also be done by emailing info@kebs.org.
The Bureau stressed that genuine KEBS officers do not solicit bribes, impose on-the-spot fines, or make arrests.
During lawful inspections, KEBS provides Sample Collection Forms for any products taken for testing and issues Seizure Notification Forms if there is non-compliance. Business owners are always given time to respond to findings and any follow-up actions are done according to the law.
KEBS also confirmed it is working closely with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate and prosecute those involved in the illegal operations. It said some cases are already in court.
KEBS urged the public and business community to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
If anyone claiming to be a KEBS official approaches them, they should ask for identification and verify it immediately. The public is advised not to comply with any illegal requests, especially those involving bribes or instant penalties.
Suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or directly to KEBS via the toll-free number 1545 or email info@kebs.org.
Members of the public are also encouraged to preserve evidence such as names, phone numbers, receipts, videos, or photographs to help with investigations.
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