KEBS suspends 3 roofing mabati companies
By Judy Jerono
Three roofing sheet companies have been suspended by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for allegedly flouting rules set for manufacturers.
Haut International, Mwananchi Mabati Company Limited, and Obor Technology Kenya Limited are the three firms suspended for selling substandard roofing sheets contrary to the specifications set.
The suspension of the three companies followed a raid conducted on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, where they established that some manufacturers failed to label their products properly.
KEBS announced that the weight of the coating metal used by some brands is way below what is stipulated in the standard.
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File image of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) offices. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
"This not only greatly compromises the quality and performance of the roofing sheet metal but also, manufacturers of these brands are undercutting their competitors, resulting in a very uneven playing ground," KEBS
In the same statement, KEBS indicted some manufacturers of importing and processing roofing sheets that do not meet the specification set by the regulator.
"KEBS, therefore, wishes to warn manufacturers, importers, and retailers that KEBS market surveillance officers will seize any substandard roofing sheets found in the market. In addition, Standardization Mark Permits for the non-complying brands shall be suspended until corrective action is undertaken under the supervision of KEBS," KEBS stated.
At the same time, the state agency sent a warning to traders against flouting rules set for manufacturers, further urging members of the public to report any cases of dealers selling substandard products in the market.
This comes after an assessment of the market trends showing that some steel products have increased by up to 40 percent since December 2021 to date making it hard for the traders to purchase the products.
"We wish to call upon the Kenya government to consider adopting tax concessions for paint, steel and cement manufacturers as well as sector-specific stimulus packages and policies that will help address the situation and cushion the construction industry which contributes an average of 7 per cent to the country’s GDP."
File image of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) offices. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
"This not only greatly compromises the quality and performance of the roofing sheet metal but also, manufacturers of these brands are undercutting their competitors, resulting in a very uneven playing ground," KEBS
In the same statement, KEBS indicted some manufacturers of importing and processing roofing sheets that do not meet the specification set by the regulator.
"KEBS, therefore, wishes to warn manufacturers, importers, and retailers that KEBS market surveillance officers will seize any substandard roofing sheets found in the market. In addition, Standardization Mark Permits for the non-complying brands shall be suspended until corrective action is undertaken under the supervision of KEBS," KEBS stated.
At the same time, the state agency sent a warning to traders against flouting rules set for manufacturers, further urging members of the public to report any cases of dealers selling substandard products in the market.
This comes after an assessment of the market trends showing that some steel products have increased by up to 40 percent since December 2021 to date making it hard for the traders to purchase the products.
"We wish to call upon the Kenya government to consider adopting tax concessions for paint, steel and cement manufacturers as well as sector-specific stimulus packages and policies that will help address the situation and cushion the construction industry which contributes an average of 7 per cent to the country’s GDP." What's Your Reaction?
