KEBS CLOSES A FACTORY PRODUCING SUBSTANDARD WATER IN KISUMU
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has today closed down a water factory in Kisumu that was producing uncertified water.
Speaking at the closed factory, Director in charge of Quality Assurance and Inspection, Eric Chesire, said KEBS will take legal action against the company which had flouted several rules.
Chesire said the water company has been using KEBS marks of quality yet it had not been certified as per the standards act to use the mark.
The company has also been directed to recall all the water which had been released to the market for destruction and also provide details on the location where the water has been distributed to.
KEBS Market Surveillance Director, Raymond Michuki who was also at the venue said KEBS has seized over 2,000 bottles of water during the raid that was carried at the factory. He also said his team will also conduct impromptu raids in outlets selling the substandard water.
On Monday, during a media roundtable held at a Kisumu Hotel, KEBS MD, Charles Ongwae directed Royal Swiss Hotel to cease using the substandard water which was found in the hotel.
Early this year KEBS issued a directive to all hoteliers, event organisers and Kenyans to confirm the validity of the standardization Mark (SM) by sending a text message containing the permit number or the brand name to 20023 to ascertain whether the water has been certified by KEBS.
Some hotels and public event organisers have been distributing uncertified water to consumers, therefore, exposing them to health hazards associated with the consumption of substandard water.
“It is a contravention of the Standards Act to manufacture or offer for sale any product unless it has been tested and conforms to the respective Kenya Standards having been issued a valid permit from KEBS,” said Chesire.
KEBS will next week hold a water workshop in Nairobi bringing together all the players in the industry to sensitize them on the laid out procedures in the manufacturing of water.
