KEBS Set for Expanded Role Under Proposed New Standards Regulations

The government is proposing new regulations that would make the calibration of specified measuring equipment mandatory while requiring calibration service providers to obtain licenses.

The proposed Standards Regulations 2026, covering scientific and industrial metrology, seek to strengthen the accuracy and reliability of measurements used in scientific, industrial, and commercial activities.

According to a gazette notice published on Friday, September 4, KEBS said the regulations aim to assess their impact on the community and businesses. 
 
“PURSUANT to section 8 of the Statutory Instruments Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry notifies the general public that Regulatory Impact Statements on the proposed Standards (Product Certification) Regulations, 2026 and the Standards (Scientific and Industrial Metrology) Regulations, 2026 have been prepared to assess the impact of the Regulations on the community and businesses,” the notice read in part.

Under the proposed regulations, KEBS would prescribe the categories of equipment that must undergo mandatory calibration, meaning businesses and institutions using such equipment could be required to have it regularly checked to ensure it provides accurate measurements.

Calibration involves checking measuring equipment against recognised standards to verify its accuracy.

The proposed regulations would also establish a licensing framework for companies and institutions offering calibration services.

According to the proposals, KEBS will also get a new role, where it will be designated as Kenya’s National Metrology Institute, with the regulations providing for the designation of other institutes to offer metrological traceability services.

Under the new rules, offenses for violations will also be introduced, paving the way for enforcement against persons or businesses that fail to comply with the requirements once the regulations are in force.

Following the new proposals, the government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, invited members of the public and businesses likely to be affected by the regulations to submit their views.

Businesses have been given 14 days to review and submit their views through a written memorandum to KEBS.

“This is, therefore, to request all persons likely to be affected by the proposed Regulations to submit written memorandum on the proposed Regulations to the Managing Director within fourteen (14) days from the date of this publication,” the notice further read.

At the same time, the government has proposed separate Standards (Product Certification) Regulations, 2026 that seek to establish product certification marks, provide a framework for their administration and enhance the quality and safety of goods.

The product certification rules are also intended to prevent deceptive practices and facilitate regional and international trade.

If the proposed rules are effectively passed and come into force, businesses using equipment covered by the regulations would be required to have it regularly calibrated to ensure accurate measurements, while calibration service providers would need to obtain licences from KEBS.