Kenya Bureau of Standard seizes fake items worth Sh2m

NAIROBI: Kenya Bureau of Standard (Kebs) officers in Eldoret Thursday recovered an assortment of counterfeit products, including cosmetics, electrical equipment, geometrical sets, pens, water heaters and bulbs.

The officers said the fake products, estimated at Sh2 million were recovered from different shops within the larger North Rift, and parts of Western region.

The items were later set ablaze in front of the members of the public at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital incinerator.

Speaking to the press in Eldoret, Kebs North Rift regional manager Barnabas Lihema said the consignments were discovered by his officers following a tip off from members of public.

 POROUS BORDERS

He warned consumers against buying goods from business premises and markets not certified by the relevant government authorities for safety standards.

"Some of the products with long term health effect were brought into the country from Uganda, China, and Middle East. We raided premises owned by the traders in Eldoret, Kitale, Kapenguria, and Bungoma," said Mr Lihema.

The officer warned that those found selling counterfeit products for the first time are normally given a warning by Kebs. But if they repeat the same offence then they are taken to court.

"I thank members of the public for alerting us about the counterfeit products. We will continue with the operation until only genuine and quality goods remain in the market," said Lihema.

He appealed to the government to tighten security along the country's porous borders to check the importation of harmful products into the country.

Public Health Officer at Moi teaching and Referral Hospital Andrew Bowen said the facility is the only one licensed by National Environment Management Authority  in the entire North Rift and Western region to handle dangerous medical products.

"Our goal is to ensure residents get proper medication by using recommended drugs and stay in a decent environment," said Bowen.