Gov't launches KEBS App to curb corruption

The government is set to digitize the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in a move that the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, says will curb corruption and enhance efficiency.

Koskei, who spoke on Friday during the launch of the KEBS App, said the Kenya Kwanza government was reforming the bureau in a bid to minimise human interventions in the organisation's operations while protecting Kenyans from substandard and prohibited products.

"The KEBS App will now facilitate an interactive interface for customers to apply for marks of quality, verify the conformity of products and eligibility of staff members as well as make real-time enquiries and give feedback on KEBS services,” he said.

He said President William Ruto's administration was committed to the war against corruption and would re-establish the Multi-Agency Team (MAT) against corruption, adding that the government will take decisive action against those who breach the public trust.

"Those who participate in corruption will not receive any sympathy from this administration," he said.

The State House Chief of Staff similarly urged KEBS to review its standardisation criteria used to disqualify and discourage young hustlers from establishing manufacturing and cottage industries as he called on government institutions to stop outsourcing services that their employees can discharge.

"These industries are meant to provide increased employment opportunities for the hustler nation and provide additional tax revenue, which will then be committed to the task of nation-building," he noted. 

"We cannot be an institution that is always looking for opportunities to loot from government.”

Koskei, at the same time, asked the organisation to sensitise and engage entrepreneurs on the importance of adhering to set standards.

KEBS Acting Managing Director Esther Ngari, on her part, said the App will improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in KEBS processes.  

"We are on a digital transformation journey through the improvement of our ICT infrastructure that will lead to enterprise-wide digitisation," she said.