Authorities have issued a warning to business owners in Kenya’s coastal regions, including Kwale, Mombasa, and Kilifi, about a surge in scams involving individuals impersonating officers from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

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Reports indicate these fraudsters, posing as KEBS officials, have been targeting businesses to extort money under false pretences. 

Multiple cases have been documented in Kwale and Mombasa counties, with a recent incident under investigation in Bamburi.

Peter Makan, the Market Surveillance Manager for KEBS’ Coast Region, confirmed the scams while speaking in Kilifi on behalf of the regional manager.

“Criminals are exploiting KEBS’ name to defraud unsuspecting entrepreneurs. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is actively investigating these cases,” he stated. 

Hassan Said Omar, KEBS’ Coast Region Manager for Quality Assurance, urged businessmen to be vigilant, emphasising that legitimate KEBS officers never demand cash payments.

“All transactions for KEBS services must be processed via the government’s e-Citizen platform. Anyone requesting cash is an impostor,” he clarified. 

He urged members of the public to verify identities by demanding official credentials and cross-check with KEBS offices. 

makan stressed the importance of public cooperation to combat these fraudulent activities and protect businesses from exploitation.