The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is on the spotlight over a Sh420 million loss at the agency through forgery and falsification of documents.
- •According to whistleblower letter allegedly authored by staff within KEBS, the agency is accused not only of financial irregularities but also of unprocedural procurement, unauthorized payments, irregular employment, and the importation of contaminated rice.
- •KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari failed to appear before National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to shed more light into the matter.
- •Ngari had initially been invited to appear before the Committee on March 27, 2025 but she instead asked to appear on April 7th, but did not show up.
“The issue of importing contaminated rice is a serious national concern. It cannot be taken lightly as it directly affects the health and wellbeing of Kenyans,” Marianne Keitany, the Committee’s Vice Chairperson, said.
“KEBS is a public agency mandated to protect consumers. The MD should have appeared to answer to these serious allegations. Kenyans deserve to know whether the rice and other product they are consuming are safe,” she added.
At the session, the Committee also resolved to invite the Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, and the Principal Secretary for Industry, Juma Mukhwana.
