Parliament launches probe into KEBS tender amid concerns of inflated car import costs

Parliament has opened an inquiry into the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) following controversy over a multibillion-shilling tender for pre-export inspections of imported goods, a move critics say is driving up car import costs.

The probe follows complaints from traders after KEBS directed importers of used vehicles to pay an extra Sh12,000 for validation documents. Critics argue the requirement was imposed without public consultation.

The Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, chaired by Shinyalu MP Bernard Shinali, has summoned KEBS and industry officials to answer questions on the tender.

The pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) contract ensures imported goods meet Kenyan safety, quality, and environmental standards. In January, KEBS invited bids for the 2025–2028 period, drawing interest from 19 companies.

Precision Experts Ltd initially challenged the tender, claiming KEBS unfairly excluded capable local firms. The Court of Appeal dismissed the case, allowing the tender process to continue. Subsequently, three firms—including TUV Austria Turk, TIC Quality Control, and Bay Area Compliance Laboratories—raised complaints over procurement anomalies. These complaints were also dismissed, paving the way for Japan’s Quality Inspection Services Inc. (QISJ) to secure the contract.

Togo Motors Ltd reignited controversy last month by challenging KEBS’ July 8 notice requiring used vehicle importers without roadworthiness certificates to pay QISJ Sh12,000 for validation documents. The company argued the notice lacked transparency and public participation, raising legal concerns. The matter will be mentioned in court on October 21.

The parliamentary committee has summoned Industry PS Dr Juma Mukhwana, KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari, and Kenya Accreditation Service CEO Dr Walter Ongeti for discussions.

KEBS records show that car inspections take about four days, with an additional two days for issuing roadworthiness certificates. Between 2015 and 2019, KEBS inspected 409,070 vehicles under the PVoC program. According to the Economic Survey 2024, 119,205 vehicles were registered in Kenya, with 78,127 (66%) being used imports.

KEBS defends its engagement of QISJ, stating it prevents vehicles with forged or fraudulent documents from entering the market and ensures cars older than eight years are properly validated.