The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has suspended three roofing sheet companies warning traders against flouting rules set for manufacturers.
While announcing the ban, KEBS noted the three companies were flagged for selling substandard roofing sheets contrary to specifications set by the regulator.
The three firms are Haut International, Mwananchi Mabati Company Limited, and Obor Technology Kenya Limited.
"The test reports revealed that the weight of the coating metal used by some brands is way below what is stipulated in the Standard. This not only greatly compromises the quality and performance of the roofing sheet metal but also, manufacturers of these brands are undercutting their competitors, resulting in a very uneven playing ground," KEBS stated in a statement.
At the same time, KEBS accused some manufacturers of importing and processing roofing sheets that do not meet the specification set by the regulator.
This follows a raid conducted on Tuesday, March 29, where they established that some manufacturers failed to label their products properly.
"KEBS, therefore, wishes to warn manufacturers, importers, and retailers that KEBS market surveillance officers will seize any substandard roofing sheets found in the market. In addition, Standardization Mark Permits for the non-complying brands shall be suspended until corrective action is undertaken under the supervision of KEBS," KEBS added.
The Bureau urged members of the public to report any cases of traders selling substandard products in the market.
The suspension comes at a time when the country is experiencing a sharp rise in the prices of the building materials, include steel, paint, and cement.
"An assessment of the market trends has shown that some steel products have increased by up to 40 percent since December 2021 to date," stated the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).
"We wish to call upon the Kenya government to consider adopting tax concessions for paint, steel and cement manufacturers as well as sector-specific stimulus packages and policies that will help address the situation and cushion the construction industry which contributes an average of 7 per cent to the country’s GDP," AAK added.
Bamburi Cement became the latest company to announce a rise in the prices of its products due to a jump in the cost of raw materials.
