The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has confiscated one hundred and fifty-four (154) substandard imported portable socket outlets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Thika, and Hola.
In a statement, KEBS said the seized socket outlets pose a great danger of electrocution to consumers as they do not have shutters, contrary to requirements of Kenya Standard KS EAS 495-2: 2008 – Specification for switched and unswitched socket outlets.
KEBS Managing Director, Lt Col (Rtd.) Bernard Njiraini said dishonest economic operators including online traders are stocking and selling these substandard portable socket outlets, which can be fatal for consumers, especially children, who may poke objects into the exposed live parts.
“Traders should also be warned that the sale of products that do not comply with Kenya Standards is prohibited by the Laws of Kenya under the Standards Act Chapter 496 with penalties including prosecution,” he stated, adding, “We, therefore, urge consumers to avoid purchasing or using portable socket-outlets without shutters.”
The seized goods will be destroyed at the owners’ expense.