DR HENRY ROTICH HIGHLIGHTS KEBS’ ROLE IN STRENGTHENING FAIR TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

The National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has stepped up consultations with stakeholders on two key Bills seeking to strengthen consumer protection, promote fair trade and modernise Kenya’s regulatory framework.

The Committee engaged stakeholders in Kiambu County on the Trade Descriptions (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Legal Metrology Bill, 2026, two pieces of legislation expected to have a significant impact on how goods are marketed, sold, weighed and measured in Kenya.

Dr Henry Rotich, Director of Metrology and Testing at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), brings extensive technical expertise to the discussions, having spent more than 26 years working in quality regulatory environments, metrology, testing and research and development.

Dr Rotich’s work underscores the strategic importance of metrology in Kenya’s Quality Infrastructure. Metrology is a key pillar of Quality Infrastructure and a critical driver of a competitive business environment that promotes investment, strengthens confidence in trade and supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiatives.

A robust metrology system ensures that measurements used in commercial transactions are accurate, reliable and traceable. This is essential in building trust between consumers and businesses while creating a level playing field for enterprises competing in domestic, regional and international markets.

The Trade Descriptions (Amendment) Bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework against false, misleading and deceptive descriptions and representations concerning goods and trade.

Importantly, the proposed amendments seek to bring the law into the modern digital era by extending regulatory oversight to electronic and digital representations, including contemporary forms of marketing and price indications.

The Bill also proposes clearer responsibilities for persons involved in the supply and distribution of goods, alongside stronger enforcement mechanisms covering inspection, seizure and forfeiture, offences and penalties for non-compliance.

The second proposal, the Legal Metrology Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the manufacture, importation, sale, repair, installation, verification, inspection and use of weighing and measuring instruments and systems.

For consumers and businesses alike, accurate measurement is fundamental to fair trade. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that measurements used in commercial transactions are accurate, reliable and traceable, helping to protect both buyers and legitimate traders.

The Bill further seeks to tackle fraudulent and deceptive practices arising from inaccurate weighing and measuring equipment, while strengthening safeguards for public health, safety and the environment.

Accurate measurement is particularly critical in sectors such as healthcare, energy, transport, agriculture and environmental protection, where errors can have significant economic and public consequences.

The proposed legislation also seeks to align Kenya’s legal metrology framework with internationally recognised standards and obligations, including those of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

Such harmonisation could enhance confidence in Kenya’s measurement systems while supporting regional and international trade.

For Kenya to fully benefit from the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, strong Quality Infrastructure will be essential. Reliable measurement systems, standards, testing and conformity assessment help ensure that Kenyan products can compete on quality and meet requirements in regional and global markets.

The stakeholder engagement therefore provides an important opportunity for technical experts, legislators and industry players to examine the proposed laws and ensure that the final framework responds effectively to the realities of modern commerce.

With his extensive experience in metrology, testing and quality regulation, Dr Rotich remains an important technical voice in efforts to strengthen Kenya’s measurement infrastructure and ensure that standards governing commercial transactions are credible and enforceable.

The two Bills ultimately point to a common objective — creating a trading environment where consumers are protected, businesses compete fairly and commercial transactions are supported by accurate information and reliable measurement systems.

As Kenya continues to expand its digital economy and deepen its participation in regional and international markets, modernising these regulatory frameworks will be critical to safeguarding consumer confidence, attracting investment and strengthening the integrity and competitiveness of the country’s trading environment.