The manufacturing sector in Kenya is a vital part of the economy, providing employment to millions and fueling growth. However, a recent amendment, the Standards Levy Order 2025 (Legal Notice No. 89 of 2025), which took effect on May 16, 2025, risks undermining this foundation.
Although the changes aim to finance the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) for improved quality oversight, their implementation disproportionately disadvantages Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), effectively favouring large manufacturing corporations.