Mwaniki Wahome
19 August 2008
Nairobi — The Government has failed to agree with manufacturers over the deadline for the implementation of the standardisation mark. The original date had been set for October 1.
Talks held at Teleposta Towers ended in deadlock, prompting the Government to form a committee to thrash out the issues in dispute.
Manufacturers are required by Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) to affix their products with a standardisation mark, which is meant to protect consumers.
After the meeting, Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey said the committee will examine the issues related to the mark for locally manufactured goods and those for imported goods.
"While we recognise the gravity of the matter and the urgency and because this was not a technical committee we have decided to set up a committee to look into the issues and report back next week," said Mr Kosgey.
The committee will be headed by his permanent secretary Prof John Lonyangapuo. Among the issues to be addressed is the deadline earlier set for October 1st. If the deadline is extended, it will be the second time after the date has been pushed from July 1st, following strong lobbying by manufacturers.
"If the committee recommends that the deadline stays or alternatively an extension be given then it will be up to us to accept or not to accept," said the minister.
Those involved included Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Association of Kenya Suppliers and Kenya International Freight Forwarders and Warehousing Association.
The committee will comprise of five representatives each from KAM and Kebs and two ministry officials and will hold its first meeting tomorrow. Mr Kosgey said reciprocal accreditation with various countries that recognise each country's mark of quality was going on.
However, the minister warned that there existed a loophole, particularly in regard to single imported items that could still find space in the shelves while not certified.
"We discussed issues with the intention of making sure the consumer gets value for money and is protected.
"The discussions also involved how to make the business environment more conducive by reducing the cost of doing business," he said.
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