KENYA – In a significant move to combat corruption and enhance operational efficiency, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has introduced a new application aimed at revolutionizing its services.
The KEBS App, a result of the digitization initiative, aims to safeguard consumers from substandard and prohibited products by minimizing human interventions in KEBS operations. With this interactive platform, customers can access various services conveniently and efficiently, ushering in a new era of consumer protection.
During a launch event, Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, unveiled the KEBS App, signaling the government’s commitment to reforming the bureau and strengthening consumer protection measures.
“The use of the KEBS KIMS platform will go a long way in realizing the Government’s aspirations on the digitization agenda,” he said.
The newly launched KEBS App allows users to apply for marks of quality, verify product conformity, check the eligibility of staff members, and make real-time inquiries.
Customers can also provide feedback on KEBS services, encouraging a more participatory and transparent process. This enhanced accessibility empowers consumers to interact with KEBS more effectively and provides a platform for them to voice their concerns and experiences.
By digitizing processes, the government aims to streamline procedures within KEBS, reducing the potential for human errors and manipulation.
The elimination of manual processes minimizes corruption opportunities, aligning with the government’s broader objective of promoting good governance and ensuring the safety and quality of products available to Kenyan consumers.
Embracing technological advancements
The digitization of KEBS represents a significant step towards modernizing the organization and adapting to technological advancements.
Recognizing the pivotal role of digital platforms in transforming public service delivery, the government is proactively embracing technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in regulatory processes.
As Kenya progresses towards a digital future, the government’s efforts to digitize key institutions like KEBS underscore its commitment to leveraging technology for positive change.
The combination of digitized processes and strong anti-corruption measures is expected to bolster the credibility and effectiveness of KEBS. This initiative will contribute to creating a more robust regulatory environment, safeguarding consumer rights, and fostering economic growth in the country.
The KEBS App adds on to the Bureau’s digitization efforts which kicked off last year with the launch of an automated management system certification process, the CB Automated System.
KEBS launched the pilot phase of the program in September last year to ascertain its suitability for purpose.
The system encompasses key features like e-application, e-quotations, e-planning of audits, e-certificates, and collaboration platform.
Regulators meet digitization demand
With digitization taking on the world, various regulators have rushed to meet their customers’ need for faster and more efficient services.
The USAID Rwanda through TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) funded Single Window Information for Trade (SWIFT), an initiative that virtually automated all of the Rwanda Standards Board’s services, early last year.
Due to the transition from the manual system, which required frequent in-person trips to the Board, the automation is anticipated to significantly reduce the time and expense associated with requesting various services from the board by the business community and other clients.
Applications for System Certification, Training, Made in Rwanda Logo, Instrument Calibration, Sample Testing, Lab Designation, Different Licenses, and Authorization to Break Seal are among the new and improved services that are now accessible online.
The newly launched KEBS App allows users to apply for marks of quality, verify product conformity, check the eligibility of staff members, and make real-time inquiries.
Through the assistance of TradeMark East Africa, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) also introduced the “Integrated Standards, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing” (iSQMT) system in 2021.
TBS streamlined the development of standards, product certification, system certification, import inspection, metrology, and testing with iSQMT.
In April last year, the Bureau began the second phase of the project, which aims to accredit testing laboratories.
Additionally, in order to increase productivity and turnaround times for better service delivery, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) automated a number of its services in 2018.
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