Three Roofing Sheets Manufacturers Suspended By KEBS Over Poor Quality

Three manufacturers have been suspended over production and sale of substandard roofing sheets contrary to specifications by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

The standards body says while conducting routine surveillance, it found the three, Haut International, Mwananchi Mabati Company Limited and Obor Technology Kenya Limited to be selling substandard galvanized roofing sheets which do not meet the KS EAS 11: 2019. Hot-dip Galvanized plain and corrugated steel sheets – specification and KS EAS 410: 2021. Hot-dip Aluminium-Zinc coated plain and corrugated steel sheets –specification.

“The test reports revealed that the weight of the coating metal used by some brands is way below what is stipulated in the Standard. This not only greatly compromises the quality and performance of the roofing sheet metal but also, manufacturers of these brands are undercutting their competitors, resulting in a very uneven playing ground,” said KEBS in a statement.

The three products brands by the firms include Haut Intl by Haut International, Mwananchi by Mwananchi Mabati Company Limited and Panda by Obor Technology Kenya Limited.

KEBS is also accusing some manufacturers of importing and processing roofing sheets whose widths are below specification a factor that deny customers value for money.

During the spotcheck conducted on Tuesday, KEBS also found some manufacturers who failed to label or properly label their products which it says is a major non-conformity since the absence of adequate marking leads to consumers not being able to make informed decisions when purchasing the product.

“KEBS therefore wishes to warn manufacturers, importers and retailers that KEBS market surveillance officers will seize any substandard roofing sheets found in the market. In addition, Standardization Mark Permits for the non-complying brands shall be suspended until corrective action is undertaken under supervision of KEBS,” said KEBS.

The bureau is now urging members of the public to report any cases involving suspected sale of substandard products which are likely to jeopardize consumer benefits.