The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has officially commenced a nationwide public awareness campaign on the newly gazetted Standards Levy Order, 2025, in a move aimed at improving compliance and strengthening industrial standards across the country.
The launch event, held in Nairobi, drew more than 400 manufacturers and key stakeholders from various sectors.
Speaking on behalf of Kebs Managing Director Esther Ngari, Director of Finance and Strategy Mohammed Adan emphasised the importance of public participation in shaping a robust and relevant standards framework.
“As we reflect on the evolution of our standards, we recognise the groundwork laid by past administrations. Three decades ago, the Standards Levy Order of 1990 marked a turning point for Kenya’s trade landscape, creating a competitive and robust market. Today, the 1990 framework is no longer sufficient to address the complexities of our modern economy,” Ngari said.
She noted that rapid technological innovations, the rise of digital commerce, and the evolving dynamics of global supply chains required an updated approach.
The Standards Levy Order, 2025, is designed to respond to these changes and ensure Kenya’s standards framework is not only relevant but transformational.
The forum also highlighted the role of public engagement, in line with the constitution which emphasises transparency and stakeholder participation in governance, particularly regarding financial regulations.
“We believe in the power of collective voices and insights. Today’s forum is an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage meaningfully in shaping a better standards system for our country,” Ngari said.
The Standards Levy, a statutory requirement under the Standards Act, Cap. 496 Section 10B (1), mandates that all manufacturers remit a monthly payment to Kebs.
It was gazetted on August 8, 2025.
The levy is calculated at 0.2 percent of a company’s monthly turnover, net of Value Added Tax (VAT), excise duty, and discounts.
Manufacturers with annual turnover below Sh5 million are exempted, while the levy is capped at Sh4 million per annum.
Payments are to be made via the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) iTax platform by the 20th day of the following month.
Failure to comply constitutes an offence under the Standards Act, with a penalty of 5 percent per month on any unpaid amount.
Manufacturers, including those intending to commence production, are required to register with KEBS using the SL/1 form available on the bureau’s online platform.
“Non-registration does not exempt any manufacturer from the levy or penalties,” reads the Act.
The Nairobi workshop marked the first in a series of nationwide engagements designed to sensitise manufacturers and industry players about the levy order.
The next forum is scheduled for November 18, 2025, in Nakuru, where Kebs officials will continue discussions on compliance, registration, and reporting processes.
The agency’s South Rift manager Josephat Bangi who was present said before the new order was gazetted they have had negotiations with the manufacturers since 2023.
While supporting the new levy, Bangi said it will be ploughed back to support manufacturing and other businesses in the country.
The levy, he said, is like an investment which the benefits will be reaped later.
“The net effect is that products manufactured locally are going to be very competitive. This investment that the manufacturers are making by supporting Kebs will come back to them...we’ll now be able to access the international and regional markets properly,” he said.
Ngari also underscored that the levy is more than a regulatory requirement; it is a tool to strengthen industrial compliance, modernize Kebs infrastructure, and enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness.
“This is not merely about implementing new regulations; it is about fostering a culture of excellence and innovation across our industries. The participatory process ensures that diverse opinions enrich the outcome, making this framework a reflection of our collective aspirations,” she said.
By implementing the Standards Levy Order, 2025, Kebs aims to reinforce quality, safety, and efficiency in manufacturing, positioning Kenya for increased competitiveness in global trade while improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
Manufacturers have been urged to familiarise themselves with the levy order and ensure timely compliance to avoid penalties, contributing to a future where Kenyan industry thrives on excellence and innovation.
A section of participants who spoke at the forum welcomed the levy, emphasising that it is a vital tool for development and not intended to stifle business operations.
“This levy will go towards standards development, improving compliance and supporting the growth of our industries,” said Michael Wasike, one of the attending manufacturers.
He added that clear guidelines and timely communication from Kebs would make it easier for businesses to comply while contributing meaningfully to national industrial growth.
