Kenyans who manufacture, import or distribute specific energy appliances without the requisite approval from the government now risk a fine of up to Ksh1 million.
This is after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Friday, May 30, gazetted new regulations which demand mandatory registration to manufacture, import or distribute computers and refrigerators.
The new law also demands the registration of those who want to produce, import or sell general service lamps, computer monitors, three-phase induction motors and non-ducted air conditioners.
According to the regulation, a person who intends to manufacture or import any of the appliances listed above must submit a sample of the appliance model to an accredited laboratory for testing.
The accredited laboratory will proceed to test the appliance and issue a test report and certificate. Where the appliance fails to meet the minimum energy performance standards, only a test report will be issued.
Consequently, the manufacturer or importer of the said products must also apply for the registration of the appliance either electronically or physically.
"The application for registration shall be accompanied by proof of payment of the registration fees specified. The Authority shall, within 30 days, approve or reject the application," EPRA stated.
Once registered, the manufacturer, importer of the aforementioned commodities will be required to submit annual data on all appliances manufactured or imported.
In its announcement, EPRA warned that failure to submit data would attract a fine of Ksh1 million, while production, importation or sale of unregistered appliances would attract Ksh10,000.
Similarly, a manufacturer or an importer who blatantly provides false data to the government would be liable to a fine of not less than Ksh1 million.
"The Authority may suspend or revoke a registration certificate issued under these regulations where it is satisfied that a person has breached the provisions of these regulations," the government announced.
"The Authority shall give a notice of not less than 30 days before suspending or revoking a registration certificate, in writing, to afford the person an opportunity to show cause," it added.
