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Government Invites Public Input on Standards Bill 2025 to Enhance Safety and Quality of Goods

The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) has called on Kenyans to share their views on the proposed Standards Bill 2025, a legislative draft aimed at transforming trade, consumer safety, and industry regulations in Kenya. The public has until October 28, 2025, to submit feedback on this significant proposal, which seeks to establish a robust legal framework for standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment.

The draft bill is designed to ensure the safety and quality of products and services, promote fair trade practices, and facilitate accurate trade measurements across Kenya. By setting clear standards, the bill aims to ensure that goods meet stringent quality requirements before reaching consumers, fostering trust in the marketplace. MITI emphasized that the legislation will create an overarching framework to support standardization and conformity in both industry and trade, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses alike.

The Standards Bill 2025 is expected to have far-reaching implications. For consumers, it promises enhanced safety and higher-quality goods, ensuring that products meet established standards. The bill will also promote fair competition among businesses and streamline cross-border trade, potentially boosting Kenya's position in regional and international markets. However, businesses may face challenges, including stricter compliance checks and additional costs for testing and certification to meet the new standards. These measures, while aimed at improving quality, could increase operational expenses for some enterprises.

To gather public input, MITI has outlined multiple avenues for Kenyans to contribute their views. Feedback can be submitted online through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) website or via email at standardsbill@kebs.org before the October 28 deadline. Additionally, the ministry has organized a series of public forums across the country to encourage open dialogue and collect written submissions from citizens.

The public consultation process will kick off on October 8, 2025, at Sarova Whitesands Hotel in the Coastal region. Subsequent forums are scheduled as follows:

  • Mt Kenya Region: October 13, 2025, at Marsabit FK Resort and Spa

  • North Eastern Region: October 15, 2025, at Mandera Government Guest House, Garissa

  • Nyanza Region: October 17, 2025, at Ciala Resort, Kisumu

  • North Rift Region: October 21, 2025, at Sirikwa Hotel, Eldoret

  • South Rift Region: October 23, 2025, at Merica Hotel, Nakuru

  • Nairobi: October 27, 2025, at Eka Hotel

These forums provide an opportunity for Kenyans from diverse regions to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the future of trade and industry regulations. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to inclusive policymaking, ensuring that the Standards Bill 2025 aligns with the needs and expectations of both consumers and businesses.

The push for standardization comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen Kenya's trade ecosystem. Earlier this year, on March 25, 2024, President William Ruto met with officials from the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya Chambers, and the Ministry of Trade at State House to discuss strategies for enhancing trade and industry growth. The proposed bill aligns with these discussions, aiming to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly market environment.

Kenyans are encouraged to participate actively in the consultation process to help refine the Standards Bill 2025. By contributing feedback, citizens can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the final legislation balances the needs of consumers for safe, high-quality goods with the realities of business compliance and operational costs.