The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has raised concern over the increase of substandard chevrons and warning triangles in the Kenyan market.
In a notice dated July 2, motorists, car dealers and importers were advised to be cautious when buying some brands of chevrons and warning triangles.
According to KEBS, the sub-standard devices were a danger to motorists given the visibility role on the roads.
Chevrons are reflective strips usually attached to the back of some vehicles such as trucks and lorries.
The reflective devices help motorists know that a vehicle is ahead of them. It also helps motorists know a vehicle's dimension, especially in cases they intend to overtake.
On the other hand, warning triangles are used to alert motorists of a stalled vehicle on the road after a breakdown.
"It has come to our notice that some brands of motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles currently being sold in the Kenyan market do not meet the requirements of their respective Kenya Standards KS 924:2012 and KS 815:2018 in the Co-efficient of Retroreflection parameter.
"The implication of this non-compliance is that the retroreflective property of such products is low, thereby diminishing their visibility, especially at night and increasing the risk of road accidents," read the notice in part.
Consequently, as a result of the new trend, motorists were advised to be keen on the standardisation marks when purchasing the reflective and warning signs.
KEBS also warned that it would seize and destroy substandard devices that are imported to the country.
"Manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers are therefore advised to only place on the market motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles with valid KEBS standardisation marks for locally manufactured products and valid KEBS import standardisation marks for imported products.
"Vehicle owners and the general public are similarly advised to only purchase motor vehicle chevrons and portable warning triangles with valid KEBS standardisation marks for locally manufactured products and valid KEBS import standardisation marks for imported products," KEBS added.
