KEBS boss Benard Njiraini arrested

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Benard Njiraini (pictured) has been arrested.

Njiraini was arrested by officers of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Thursday morning.

He is accused of continuously failing to comply with investigation officers thus frustrating the timely conclusion of the probe.

“Today, EACC arrested Mr. Benard Njiraini as a penal consequence of failing to comply with a Notice issued to him pursuant to Section 27 and Section 66 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003. This is with a view of obtaining the said documents and preferring charges against him for his contravention,” a statement from the anti-graft agency read.

The Commission has been conducting investigations into the alleged procurement irregularities and payment of bribes in respect of awards for tenders for used motor vehicles, mobile equipment and spare parts by KEBS.

During Njiraini's reign, questions have emerged on the quality of imported goods from other countries even after KEBS implemented the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC).

The standard body implemented the PVoC program to be applied for exports to Kenya to ensure the safety and quality of imported goods.

The program was also implemented to protect Kenyan manufacturers from unfair trade practices and dumping of substandard goods.

Njiraini was appointed as KEBS managing director by the then Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya in August last year– taking over from Bernard Nguyo, who held the position in an acting capacity.

His appointment was criticized and the CS put in a spot for appointing Njiraini as managing director of the Kebs although he had been ranked sixth after interview.

Documents that were tabled before the National Assembly Trade Committee showed that Mr Njiraini was not among the top candidates in the interviews conducted in April, last year.

But the CS, who is now in charge of the Agriculture docket defended the appointment.