The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has suspended the manufacturing permits of Rongtai Steel Company Ltd following market surveillance operations that revealed the production and distribution of substandard ribbed bars.
According to a statement by KEBS, these products were found to violate the EAS 412-2:2019 specifications for ribbed bars used in concrete reinforcement, posing significant risks to construction safety and public welfare.
“As part of the enforcement measures, KEBS has seized substandard products from the manufacturer’s premises and the market, directed the company to immediately halt production of the non-compliant ribbed bars, ordered a recall of all distributed substandard products from the market, and suspended operations of the company until it demonstrates full compliance with required standards.” KEBS said.
In light of this, KEBS has advised the public against purchasing or using ribbed bars from Rongtai Steel Company Ltd until further notice.
“The use of substandard construction materials undermines the structural integrity of buildings and endangers public safety.” The statement read.
The agency has underscored its committed to enforcing standards that promote fair trade practices, protect consumers, and support economic growth.
To enhance consumer protection, KEBS encourages the public to verify product certification by sending the code under the S-Mark to 20023 (SM#Code) or the ISM Mark to 20023 (ISM#UCR NO).
If the product details are invalid or do not match the system records, consumers are urged to report to KEBS via the toll-free number 1545, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Reports of any manufacturing malpractices can also be made through this hotline.
For further inquiries or reports, the public can contact KEBS through its toll-free number 1545 or visit their official website.
