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Saturday, 3 October 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 3 October 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

Kenya Bureau of Standards

Also known as: KEBS · Kens

Kenya Bureau of Standards — government standards body managing product quality, certification, and market surveillance, addressing illicit alcohol and trade compliance concerns.

2026-04-242026-10-03

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026
  2. KNCCI warns fuel increase could cut MSME margins 15%

    1. Capital News

      … Other respondents include the Cabinet Secretaries for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Energy and Petroleum, and Investments, Trade and Industry, as well as the Attorney General, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Standards Council. …

      Petitioner Moves to Stop EPRA Fuel Price Review Citing Lack of Transparency
    2. Citizen Digital

      … Also named in the case are the Attorney General, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Standards Council. …

      Petitioner wants court to suspend fuel price hikes, terms it unconstitutional
  3. The Standard

    … filed a constitutional petition before the Constitutional and Human Rights Division at the Milimani Law Courts, naming seven respondents, including the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the National Treasury, the Attorney General and the Kenya Bureau of Standards …

    Activist files petition to block fuel price hike, seeks conservatory orders
  4. The Standard

    … A single product, such as peanut butter or milk, falls under the overlapping mandates of the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and others.This fragmentation creates a "regulatory vacuum" in which accountability is amorphous at best. …

    Kenya must speed up reforms to improve food safety
  5. Capital News

    … The committee, chaired by Benard Shinali, sought answers on the whereabouts of 27,839 metric tonnes of sugar that tests by the Kenya Bureau of Standards found to meet standards for raw sugar intended for further refining and not for direct consumption. …

    MPs Probe Missing 27,000 Tonnes of Imported Sugar Declared Unfit for Consumption
  6. Citizen Digital

    … The board said the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary constituted a multi-agency team in March 2026 involving the Kenya Sugar Board, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, the State Department of Industry and the National Police Service to set conditions for release …

    Kenya Sugar Board denies claims harmful sugar worth Ksh1.5B was released into local market
  7. The Standard

    … The Kenya Bureau of Standards is working to ensure indigenous products meet these thresholds. …

    Why indigenous knowledge is the next frontier of Kenya's economic development
  8. April 2026
  9. Capital News

    … Technical teams, in consultation with the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the National Standards Council, conducted a comprehensive assessment before approving the measure. …

    Govt Temporarily Relaxes Fuel Standards Amid Global Supply Disruptions
  10. The Standard

    … According to the CS, the request underwent a comprehensive technical review in consultation with the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the National Standards Council before approval was granted. …

    Govt relaxes fuel standards to avert shortages amid global supply strain
  11. The Standard

    … Establishing a pool government service fee of say Sh3000 per container to support the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), KEPHIS, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), KNRA, and all other agencies, for example, could be considered,” …

    Port users decry increased levies by state agencies

Today

  1. Kenya elected to ISO Council for 2027–2031 term

    Kenya has been elected to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Council for the 2027–2031 term, following a competitive contest involving five countries. The election, announced by the Kenya Bureau of Standards during the ISO Annual Meeting 2026 in Paris, enhances Kenya's role in global standards governance.

    7 hours ago · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 1 October

  1. MP calls for tools, equipment for TVET graduates

    Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called for TVET graduates to be equipped with tools and equipment to enable them to start businesses and apply their skills. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for NGAAF-sponsored students, Maina said she would seek partnerships to provide graduates with equipment needed to begin working immediately after training.

    1 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. TVET graduates urged to pursue further education and skills

    Young people graduating from technical training have been challenged to continue their education and learn additional skills, including foreign languages, to improve employment prospects in Kenya and abroad. Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina told graduates at Gichugu Technical and Vocational Training Centre that completing technical training should not mark the end of their education.

    1 October 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Lawmakers challenge KEBS use of "covert operations" in inspections

    Kenya's National Assembly Departmental Committee on Delegated Legislation has questioned the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) over proposed regulations that would allow "covert operations" during market surveillance, arguing the term creates legal and accountability concerns. Lawmakers urged KEBS to replace "covert operations" with "impromptu inspections," emphasizing that public entities should operate with transparency.

    30 September 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 29 September

  1. Deputy President orders fresh inspections of alcohol manufacturers nationwide

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and enforcement agencies to re-inspect all alcohol manufacturing premises to ensure compliance with standards and regulations as part of the government's intensified crackdown on illicit brews.

    29 September 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Kindiki orders fresh inspection of all alcohol manufacturers

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has ordered fresh inspections of all alcohol manufacturing premises across the country to ensure compliance with operating standards, as part of the government's campaign against illicit brews and unsafe alcohol.

    29 September 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 27 September

  1. Tobacco farmers in central Kenya voice concerns over 2024 control bill

    Tobacco farmers in Tharaka-Nith and Meru counties raised concerns over the Tobacco-Control (Amendment) Bill 2024 at public participation forums, with MPs clarifying that proposed changes aim to regulate emerging synthetic nicotine products rather than stifle tobacco farming.

    27 September 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 26 September

  1. KEBS urges manufacturers to embed quality into daily operations

    Kenya Bureau of Standards managing director Esther Ngari told businesses at the Kenya Quality Awards that quality should be a continuous part of operations, not just pursued during assessments, to strengthen Kenya's competitiveness in regional and global markets and boost the wider economy's credibility.

    26 September 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 24 September

  1. Police arrest Maragua businessman in illicit liquor raid

    Police raided a bar and home in Maragua, arresting a businessman and seizing counterfeit alcoholic drinks including Chrome and Kenya Cane brands. The operation followed resident complaints about unlicensed alcohol circulation and alleged collusion between the suspect and security officers.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Murkomen oversees destruction of Sh8.2 billion methamphetamine

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen witnessed the destruction of more than one tonne of crystal methamphetamine valued at Sh8.2 billion that was seized in the Indian Ocean last October. Murkomen warned drug traffickers that the Government will pursue the money, property and networks supporting the illicit trade as part of its intensified war on drugs and illicit alcohol.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Kagwe seeks tax review for horticultural sector

    Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for a review of taxes on horticultural products, terming them unfair and punitive, citing high production costs driven by rising global fuel prices. Flower farmers have warned that high production costs, delayed government VAT refunds, and doubled freight and fuel prices are eroding investor confidence.

    22 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Kenya seeks stronger link between research institutions and industry

    Researchers, universities, TVET institutions, government agencies, standards bodies and private sector players say promising projects often stall at critical stages such as validation, certification, financing and market entry. The Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation said Kenya has the talent and ideas needed to drive innovation, but must improve how research is converted into commercial products and enterprises.

    22 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 17 September

  1. KEBS proposes new regulations for standards and quality control

    Kenya Bureau of Standards has proposed new regulations to the National Assembly covering metrology, testing, product certification, and import handling. The regulations are under scrutiny by the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, which says some existing standards date back to 1977 and no longer meet current needs.

    17 September 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Solar fish dryer launched to support Busia women traders

    A Sh10 million solar-powered fish drying and preservation facility has been launched in Burumba, Busia, to help the Busia Cross-Border Women Traders Association process and preserve fish more efficiently, reduce losses, and create employment in fish processing and marketing.

    16 September 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 11 September

  1. Death in Naivasha revives fears over fake branded alcohol in Kenya

    A young man's death in Naivasha following a drinking competition has prompted calls for investigation into the safety of bottled spirits sold in Kenya, with Kenyans reporting unusual hangovers, stomach pain, vomiting and confusion after consuming alcohol they suspect is counterfeit or adulterated.

    11 September 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 9 September

  1. African countries adopt standardised rules to boost continental trade

    Kenya and other African nations are adopting harmonised standards to remove technical trade barriers and reduce costs, allowing goods certified in one country to move freely across the continent without repeated testing. Officials say the effort under the African Continental Free Trade Area will accelerate intra-African trade, which has been hindered by disjointed standards that force reliance on imports from outside Africa.

    9 September 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 3 September

  1. NACADA seizes 4,000+ counterfeit alcohols in Kayole raid

    The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) seized over 4,000 counterfeit alcoholic products and more than 250 cartons of assorted counterfeit alcoholic drinks during a multi-agency crackdown in Kayole, Nairobi on Wednesday. Two suspects were arrested and the operation, involving KRA, KEBS, NGAO, NPS and NGAPU, is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal alcohol supply networks.

    3 September 2026 · Capital News →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. NACADA arrests 11, seizes counterfeit alcohol in Nairobi

    The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse arrested 11 people and confiscated counterfeit alcoholic beverages in a multi-agency crackdown across eight Nairobi sub-counties between August 20 and 31, 2026, in response to public concerns about unsafe products circulating in the market.

    1 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Nacada arrests 11 in Nairobi counterfeit alcohol crackdown

    Kenya's National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) arrested 11 people during a ten-day operation against counterfeit alcohol in Nairobi County, covering eight sub-counties and confiscating illicit beverages, counterfeit KRA excise stamps, and expired products. The authority is collaborating with KRA, KEBS, and the National Police Service to verify seized items and pursue those involved in manufacturing, distributing, and selling counterfeit beverages.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 31 August

  1. NACADA seizes 240 counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Mukuru Kwa Njenga

    NACADA and a multi-agency team raided an outlet in Mukuru Kwa Njenga and seized 240 counterfeit assorted alcoholic beverages bearing fake KRA stamps, with one suspect arrested. The operation is part of ongoing crackdowns across Nairobi, with similar seizures in Eastleigh, Jericho, and South B in recent days.

    31 August 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Matiang'i criticises Ruto government's costly police uniform change

    Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has questioned the government's decision to change police uniforms, arguing that public resources should be used more efficiently by tapping into existing state capacity. Matiang'i said his administration used NYS and other public institutions alongside the private sector to produce uniforms while controlling costs, in contrast to the current approach.

    31 August 2026 · Capital News →

  3. Police deny Nalitex won uniform tender, say Bedi awarded contract

    The National Police Service has dismissed media reports linking Nalitex Limited to a police uniform procurement, stating instead that Bedi Investments Limited was lawfully awarded the contract following a proper procurement process. The uniform change was part of broader police reforms recommended by the Maraga Task Force.

    31 August 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 30 August

  1. Babu Owino criticizes Sh2.5bn police uniform spending priority

    Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused President Ruto's administration of misplaced priorities for allocating Sh2.5 billion to new police uniforms while students struggle to pay school fees and youth remain unemployed. President Ruto unveiled the new Kenya Police Service general-duty uniform on August 28, with the rollout expected to cover about 60,000 general-duty officers.

    30 August 2026 · Capital News →

  2. NPS denies Nalitex link to Ksh2.8B uniform tender

    The National Police Service has denied reports linking Nalitex Limited to the Ksh2.8 billion procurement of Kenya Police General Duty uniforms, stating the company played no role in the tender. NPS says Bedi Investments Limited was awarded the contract after its sample was selected through evaluation and public participation.

    30 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Police HQ denies Nalitex won uniform tender, says Bedi Investments handling contract

    Kenya Police Service headquarters dismissed reports that Nalitex Limited won the tender for new police uniforms, stating the contract was lawfully awarded to Bedi Investments Limited. The uniform change was recommended by the Maraga Task Force on Police Reforms following consultation with officers who expressed dissatisfaction with existing uniforms.

    30 August 2026 · Capital News →

  4. NPS denies Nalitex connection to police uniform contract

    The National Police Service has dismissed media reports linking Nalitex Limited to the procurement of new Kenya Police Service General Duty uniforms, stating that Bedi Investments Limited was lawfully awarded the contract. The uniform change was recommended by the Maraga Task Force on Police Reforms following officer complaints about the existing uniform.

    30 August 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 29 August

  1. Standards harmonisation delays hinder Africa's intra-continental trade

    Kenya and other African countries are pushing for harmonised standards and single testing of goods to boost intra-Africa trade, but slow adoption by only a handful of nations has made exports and imports difficult across the continent, raising trade costs and creating non-tariff barriers under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    29 August 2026 · The Standard →

  2. NACADA arrests two, seizes drugs in Nairobi crackdown

    Two people were arrested in South B, Nairobi after NACADA and police recovered rolls and 101 sachets of suspected narcotic drugs, Rizla papers, and a digital weighing scale in a multi-agency operation. The authority says it is intensifying enforcement against drug abuse nationwide, with particular focus on the capital.

    29 August 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 28 August

  1. KEBS under scrutiny as counterfeit alcohol crisis worsens in Kenya

    The Kenya Bureau of Standards faces pressure over its role in the country's escalating counterfeit alcohol crisis, with illicit drinks now accounting for an estimated 60 per cent of all alcohol consumed in Kenya, according to industry data. Consumer advocates describe the situation as a "full-blown public health catastrophe."

    28 August 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 27 August

  1. NACADA arrests three, seizes counterfeit alcohol in Nairobi raid

    Multi-agency teams including NACADA, KRA, KEBS and the National Police Service arrested three suspects and recovered 315 assorted counterfeit alcoholic beverages during a crackdown in Jericho, Makadara Sub-County. Some confiscated products bore Tanzanian excise duty stamps, raising concerns over cross-border counterfeiting.

    27 August 2026 · Capital News →

Kenya Bureau of Standards — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute