KEBS Issues Public Warning Against Fraudulent Impersonators Posing as Its Officials

June 28, 2025 Majira Media

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a stern public notice warning citizens and businesses against falling victim to fraudulent individuals posing as KEBS officials. These imposters, operating under the name Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd, have been reported conducting illegal enforcement activities while falsely claiming affiliation with KEBS.

According to the notice released to the public yesterday on 27th June, the rogue group has been unlawfully using the guise of the Consumer Protection Act to carry out unauthorized inspections, extort bribes, and raid businesses and entertainment establishments. A particularly alarming incident was reported on June 16, 2025, at Longisa, Merigi, and Kembu business centers in Bomet County, where the fraudsters demanded bribes of up to KSh 20,000 from each business. Similar scams have been reported in Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Voi, and Mombasa, indicating the widespread and coordinated nature of the con.

KEBS categorically stated that Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Co. Ltd (Company Reg. No. C.115299), reportedly led by one Edward R. Olang, is a private entity with no affiliation whatsoever with KEBS. Though the company had previously claimed to be a consumer protection organization based on gazette notices (No. 7851 of 2023 and 208 of 2024), these authorizations were cancelled by the Kenya Gazette on February 14, 2025.

To protect the public from falling victim, KEBS outlined clear guidelines for verifying legitimate officials. Genuine KEBS officers must:

Present a valid Certificate of Appointment as Inspectors under the Standards Act.
Carry an official KEBS Staff Identification Card, which can be verified by texting the HR number to 20023 or by calling the KEBS Toll-Free Line 1545.
Never demand bribes, impose on-the-spot fines, or threaten arrests or detentions.

KEBS emphasized that all enforcement actions are governed by the Standards Act Cap 496 and the Fair Administrative Action Act No. 4 of 2015. During official inspections, businesses are provided with sample collection and seizure forms, and they are allowed time to respond to findings. No fines are issued on-site.

The Bureau is actively collaborating with key law enforcement and oversight bodies—including the DCI, NPS, ODPP, and EACC—to investigate and prosecute the fraudsters. KEBS urged anyone approached by suspicious individuals to verify credentials, report any illegal demands, and immediately contact the nearest police station or KEBS via 1545 or info@kebs.org.

In its final remarks, KEBS called on all citizens and businesses to remain vigilant, preserve any relevant evidence (such as names, phone numbers, or photos), and help ensure the safety, legitimacy, and integrity of the standards enforcement process in Kenya.

This public warning underscores KEBS’s commitment to protecting consumers, enhancing transparency, and upholding lawful enforcement in accordance with national laws.