NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 23 – As the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) moves to fully implement the use of its certification marks, wholesalers and retail traders failing to adhere to the bureaus standards have been put on notice.
KEBS acting Managing Director Dr Joel Kioko has warned that standardization marks are now a mandatory requirement and stiff action will be taken against traders found to be offering for sale non certified products.
In a speech read on his behalf by the KEBS Director or Quality Assurance and Inspection Mr John Abongs during the launch of a new JIK 70ml household bleach pack, the KEBS boss confirmed that the standards body had intensified its market surveillance on unscrupulous traders and manufacturers selling non certified goods.
"The KEBS standardisation marks are mandatory quality marks and it\’s important for all traders and manufacturers alike to show their commitment towards the full implementation of the marks," Dr Kioko said.
And added: "regardless of your size of business, customers expect quality products every time they make their purchases and KEBS shall not tolerate traders stocking non quality assured products."
During the function, leading health and personal care products firm Reckitt Benckiser confirmed that it moved to enhance its market share in the domestic bleach products category with the launch of an affordable sized JIK household bleach pack in the Kenya market.
The launch of the new 70Ml size pack dubbed "JIK TOSHA" is expected to boost the firm\’s market share through a strategic move to meet the Kenyan consumers need for affordable and high quality products.
JIK Brand Manager Georgina Gachaga confirmed that the household fabric treatment products market is now valued at more than Kshs 400 million according to recent findings by research firm A.C. Nielsen while JIK is the market leader with a 58% of the market share.
"By unveiling this new affordable pack, we will tackle the problem of affordability as JIK Tosha will be invariably priced low, leading to acceptability by consumers in the lower market segments who are also seeking to lead hygienic lives," Gachaga said.
And added: "JIK is the trusted household bleach with the benefit of extra whitening power to remove stubborn stains leaving clothes whiter and brighter than before"
During the launch ceremony attended by scores of key Reckitt Benckiser Traders at the Nairobi Inter Continental Hotel and presided over by the acting Kenya Bureau of Standards Managing Director Dr Joel Kioko, Reckitt Benckiser East Africa officials affirmed their commitment to support KEBS efforts to stamp out sub standard product sales.
Reckitt Benckiser`s Finance Director Mr. Prateek Ghose said: "JIK which bears the KEBs Standardisation Mark is a proof that Reckitt Benckiser is committed in maintaining the highest standards of quality products to consumers.
For consumers JIK Tosha, he noted, will provide an avenue for consumers to try and use a quality product at an economic price.
