The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has taken decisive action against Rongtai Steel Company Ltd by suspending its manufacturing permits after substandard ribbed bars were discovered in the market. These ribbed bars, used in concrete reinforcement, were found to violate the EAS 412-2:2019 standards, posing significant risks to the safety and structural integrity of buildings.
According to KEBS, the discovery was made during routine market surveillance operations, which revealed that the company had been producing and distributing ribbed bars that failed to meet the required specifications. As a result, KEBS has seized the non-compliant products from both the manufacturer’s premises and the market, and has ordered the immediate cessation of production.
The suspension of Rongtai Steel’s operations will remain in place until the company demonstrates full compliance with the necessary standards. Additionally, a recall has been ordered for all substandard products already distributed, as part of the efforts to protect the public from the potentially hazardous materials.
The agency has strongly advised the public against purchasing or using ribbed bars from Rongtai Steel, emphasizing that the use of substandard construction materials can undermine the structural integrity of buildings, endangering public safety. KEBS has assured consumers that it remains committed to enforcing rigorous standards that protect both public welfare and fair trade practices.
In a bid to enhance consumer protection, KEBS has encouraged the public to verify the certification of construction materials before purchase. Consumers can do this by sending the product’s code to 20023, either as an S-Mark or ISM Mark. This initiative allows consumers to check the authenticity of the product and ensure its compliance with safety standards.
KEBS has also set up a toll-free hotline (1545), where consumers can report any manufacturing malpractices, with operators available on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns regarding substandard construction materials.
The suspension of Rongtai Steel serves as a stern reminder of the importance of adhering to established standards in the manufacturing industry. It highlights KEBS’ commitment to ensuring that consumers are not exposed to unsafe products, especially in sectors like construction, where public safety is directly linked to the quality of materials used. With ongoing market surveillance and the public’s involvement in product verification, KEBS aims to uphold the integrity of Kenyan industries and safeguard the well-being of the population.
