By Aoma Keziah,
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has begun a nationwide public awareness forum on the proposed Standards Levy Order 2025, starting with the Nairobi region where more than 400 manufacturers attended the first public participation forum.
The sessions are part of KEBS’ efforts to gather industry feedback on the levy framework, which seeks to modernize the Bureau’s infrastructure, strengthen compliance, and promote higher product quality across the country.
In his opening remarks, Adan Mohammed Director Finance and Strategy, representing the Managing Director Esther Ngari, said that the world has changed dramatically since then, people must adapt to the rapid technological innovations, the rise of digital commerce, and the evolving dynamics of global supply chains.
“The proposed Standards Levy Order, 2025, is designed to reflect these changes and ensure that our standards framework is not only relevant but also transformational. Our Constitution of 2010 emphasises the importance of transparency and public involvement in governance, particularly concerning financial undertakings.
He further added that this principle guided them in seeking public input during the formulation of the Standards Levy Order, 2025.
“We believe in the power of collective voices and insights, and today’s forum is an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage meaningfully in shaping a better standards system for our country,” added Mohammed.
The officials emphasized that the new levy is designed to enhance the agency’s capacity to monitor standards, safeguard consumers, and support the competitiveness of Kenyan goods in both local and export markets.
Eng. Josephat Bangi, the Regional Director for South Rift Region, said the Standards Levy Order is a key step toward improving service delivery and ensuring Kenyan products meet both local and international standards.
“The Levy Order is not just about compliance; it is about creating a fair environment where all manufacturers contribute to maintaining the quality systems that protect consumers and strengthen our industries. As KEBS, we are committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the process is transparent, inclusive, and beneficial to the entire manufacturing sector,” he underscored.
Manufacturers were urged to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the Order and comply with its requirements once it comes into effect. The agency noted that the levy is a statutory obligation meant to ensure that all players contribute fairly to maintaining national quality systems.
Participants raised questions on how the levy would affect production costs and the cost of doing business, with KEBS assuring that stakeholder views will be incorporated into the final draft before gazettement.
The Standards Levy Order 2025 is expected to align with the government’s wider agenda to promote industrial growth and strengthen regulatory institutions that underpin a stable, competitive economy.