The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has raised alarm over a private company that has been impersonating its officers and illegally carrying out enforcement operations in various parts of the country.

The agency on Tuesday disowned Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd, which it accused of falsely operating under its name while targeting unsuspecting businesses and the public.

In a statement on Monday, KEBS warned that the company has no affiliation with the agency and has been unlawfully using its name to carry out operations disguised as consumer protection efforts.

"It has come to the attention of Kenya Bureau of Standards that certain individuals, working for a private company going by the name Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd which identifies as a consumer rights/protection organization, are falsely claiming affiliation with KEBS and unlawfully engaging in enforcement activities under the pretext of implementing the Consumer Protection Act. KEBS strongly disassociates itself from these activities and condemns them in the strongest terms possible," the statement read.

The bureau disclosed that it had received numerous reports from across the country detailing fraudulent activities by individuals linked to the company.

The latest incident, reported on June 16 in Bomet County, involved the impersonators raiding businesses in Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu trading centres.

According to KEBS, the group conducted illegal inspections and extorted up to  Sh20,000 from each shop, including raids on entertainment venues.

Similar operations have been reported in Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Voi, and Mombasa, painting a picture of a coordinated criminal network.

"Numerous complaints from the public and business community across the country reveal an organized and widespread pattern of fraudulent conduct. The most recent and alarming incident was reported on June 16, 2025, in Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu business centers in Bomet County. In this case, individuals masquerading as KEBS officers carried out illegal inspections and raids on retail shops and even entertainment clubs, extorting bribes of up to KSh 20,000 per shop. Similar incidents have also been reported in Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Voi, and Mombasa, indicating that this criminal activity is systematic and well-coordinated," the statement continued.

KEBS further clarified that Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd, led by an individual identified as Edward R. Olang, is a privately registered company with no official links to the standards agency.

It also dismissed the company’s claim to consumer protection powers, pointing out that earlier Gazette notices granting such status had already been cancelled.

"KEBS clarifies that Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd (Company Registration No. C.115299), reportedly led by one Edward R. Olang, is a private company and is not affiliated with KEBS. KEBS is further aware that this company purported to operate as a Consumer protection organization by dint of Gazette notices No. 7851 of 2023 and 208 of 2024, which have since been cancelled through Kenya Gazette Vol. CXVII-No.31 issued on 14th February, 2025," the statement added.

To protect the public from falling prey to impersonators, KEBS advised Kenyans to always verify the identity of its officials before allowing any inspection or enforcement action.

"When legitimate KEBS personnel conduct official duties such as market surveillance, they strictly adhere to laid down protocols. They must produce their Certificate of Appointment as Inspectors under the Standards Act, Chapter 496 of the Laws of Kenya, and KEBS Staff Identification Card, which can be verified by sending the HR number from the staff Identity Card via SMS to 20023 (you will receive the officer's name, designation, ID number, and employment status). Alternatively, verification can be done by calling the KEBS Toll-Free Line 1545 or emailing [email protected]. It is crucial to note that legitimate KEBS officers do not demand bribes, do not impose on-the-spot fines, and do not carry out arrests or detentions," the statement further read.