KEBS Steps Up Role in Fight Against Illicit Alcohol

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening quality controls and consumer protection as the government steps up the fight against illicit alcohol and narcotic drug cartels.

KEBS Director General Esther Ngari, EBS, joined a high-level multi-sectoral meeting led by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, where participants discussed measures to enhance the fight against illicit alcohol and other harmful substances.

The meeting brought together stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening collaboration, intelligence-led enforcement and compliance checks across the alcohol industry.

For KEBS, the renewed focus places standards enforcement at the centre of efforts to protect consumers from products that do not meet prescribed requirements.

The standards body plays a key role in ensuring that products entering and circulating in the Kenyan market comply with established quality and safety standards.

Ms Ngari said the agency would continue working with other stakeholders to support compliance and strengthen consumer protection.

The discussions also underscored the importance of coordinated action among government agencies, industry players and other stakeholders in tackling the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit products.

As enforcement efforts are intensified, KEBS is expected to continue its role in standards surveillance and compliance, helping to ensure that consumers have access to products that meet the required standards.

The meeting reaffirmed that quality, compliance and consumer protection require sustained cooperation across the public and private sectors.