The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a warning to the public and business owners over the activities of impostors posing as its officers and extorting money in the name of enforcement.

In a public notice released on Friday, KEBS distanced itself from individuals linked to a private company claiming to operate under the guise of consumer rights protection while falsely associating with the standards body.

KEBS said these impostors have been unlawfully conducting enforcement operations across the country, pretending to implement the Consumer Protection Act. “Numerous complaints from the public and business community across the country reveal an organised and widespread pattern of fraudulent conduct,” the agency said.

Among the most alarming incidents was one reported on June 16 in Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu business centres in Bomet County, where the impostors allegedly raided shops and entertainment clubs, demanding bribes of up to Sh20,000 per premise.

KEBS said similar illegal operations have also been reported in Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Voi, and Mombasa, pointing to a coordinated and countrywide scam.

The agency stressed that its officials follow strict protocols when on official assignments such as market surveillance. “When legitimate KEBS personnel conduct official duties such as market surveillance, they strictly adhere to laid-down protocols,” KEBS stated.

“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.”

KEBS also emphasised that all its enforcement activities are conducted in full compliance with the Standards Act Cap 496 and the Fair Administrative Action Act No. 4 of 2015.

The agency is urging members of the public and business owners to remain alert, ask for proper identification, and immediately verify the identity of any person claiming to be a KEBS officer.