The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in partnership with the International Organization for Standards (ISO) organized a workshop at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, bringing together; experts, organizations, corporations, nationals, stakeholders, policymakers and like-minded partners and parties to discuss the salience and the critical role of standards in relation to consumer protection and enhancement of quality products.
The recently concluded workshop observed standards to be agreements that contain technical specifications and criteria, which should be consistently applied as guidelines, rules and even definitions in relation to the production or provision of quality products or services. As a result, standards ensure safe, reliable, and quality services and products, which are essential for consumer protection and should be adhered to by manufacturers and service providers.
Primarily, standards are set to protect consumers from hazards associated with products and services they consume; an objective that can be achieved by adhering to locally, regionally and internationally set and recognized standards. Standards ensure products meet certain minimum quality requirements which foster consumer confidence; and trust in products in the market and boost overall market confidence thus fair competition among businesses.
Also, consumer rights and advocacy should be given much attention, for consumer organizations ought to play a critical role in monitoring compliance and educating the public about the significance of standards. Empowered consumers make informed choices and demand higher standards from producers.
In reference to the regulatory compliances, adhering to standards helps businesses comply with regulations, avoiding legal penalties and fostering a fair marketplace for all. The KEBS and ISO representatives outlined how regulatory bodies use standards as a basis for enforcing laws and ensuring that businesses operate within the legal framework.
To achieve consumer protection, the partnered workshop between KEBS and ISO reiterated that businesses, regulators, and consumers ought to work collaboratively towards the widespread adoption and implementation of standards. Consumers and business traders should be continuously trained and educated on the importance of standards.
In conclusion, the KEBS and ISO workshop at the Argyle Grand Hotel highlighted the indispensable role of standards in consumer protection. Critically, much attention should be given to consumer protection since markets are growing more complex and interconnected, thus the importance of maintaining high standards cannot be over sighted at any cost. Concerted efforts by all stakeholders are essential in the realization of standards and in ensuring safety and reliability for all consumers.
