The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has intercepted a consignment of substandard power extension cables at the Mitchell Cotts Container Freight Station in Mombasa. The intercepted shipment, valued at Ksh2.5 million, comprised 24,000 units of Ailyons-brand extension sockets imported from China by Hilalium & Sons (Ur Home) Limited.
According to KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari, the 40-foot container, which arrived in the country a week ago, was flagged for inspection despite having a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). A deeper investigation revealed significant discrepancies between the approved model described in the CoC and the actual items in the shipment. The consignment contained 30 cartons of the power extensions, weighing a total of 15,390 kilograms.
Ngari emphasized that the extension cables failed to meet the mandatory safety and quality requirements set for electrical products in Kenya. “The cables lack critical safety features, making them a serious risk to consumers. They pose threats of electrocution and potential fire outbreaks,” she told KBC Channel 1 in Mombasa.
The KEBS team conducted a thorough evaluation of the products and found them unsuitable for the Kenyan market. As per the Standards Act, the agency has handed over the consignment to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for appropriate action. The goods will either be reshipped to their country of origin or destroyed at the importer’s cost.
KEBS reiterated its commitment to protecting Kenyan consumers from substandard and potentially hazardous products. Ngari warned importers against circumventing quality control procedures and assured the public that KEBS would continue to intensify inspections at all entry points.
This latest interception highlights ongoing concerns over the influx of low-quality electrical goods into the country, with KEBS urging consumers to only purchase certified products. The agency also called on businesses to adhere strictly to Kenya’s import and safety standards, adding that violators will face legal consequences.
The interception serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory vigilance in ensuring public safety and upholding product standards in the local market.
