KEBS warning on 8 fake hand sanitizer brands being sold in Nakuru, Nairobi counties

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on Thursday seized hand sanitizers that are being sold in Nairobi and Nakuru counties without authorization.

The products whose prices have been hiked due to the current Coronavirus prevention measures were not inspected by the standards body.

KEBS Director Peter Gaigwara stated that the brands had been reported by citizens who wondered why they did not have the standardization mark.

KEBS warning on 8 fake hand sanitizer brands being sold in Nakuru, Nairobi counties KEBS warning on 8 fake hand sanitizer brands being sold in Nakuru, Nairobi counties Pulse Live Kenya

"We received information from the members of the public that, some traders are selling sanitizers, without the standardization mark (SM) from KEBS , meaning they are fake, and we are working with the Directorate of Criminal investigations ( DCI) to nab the manufacturers who are on the run," Gaigwara stated.

The fake brands were named as Pure Magic, Angelicas Luxury, LULU, Vicente, San Gel, Dulax, OPTZAR Advanced and 0-Germs.

Mr Gaigwara added that KEBS officials will continue surveillance efforts through Nairobi and Nakuru to crackdown on unscrupulous manufacturers.

KEBS warning on 8 fake hand sanitizer brands being sold in Nakuru, Nairobi counties KEBS warning on 8 fake hand sanitizer brands being sold in Nakuru, Nairobi counties Pulse Live Kenya

Government free hand sanitizer

Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua announced that the government will be manufacturing hand sanitizer which will be given for free to citizens.

"The government is desirous of distributing affordable sanitizers to the general public. To this end, corporations in the oil industry have volunteered to produce alcohol based sanitizers for distribution for free to the general public.

"KPC will liaise with the oil industry players, who have expressed willingness to produce the sanitizers, for the expedited manufacture and distribution. Further, KPC will implement an accountability framework to ensure that the ethanol is utilized for the manufacture and distribution of the sanitizers," Kinyua stated in an official memo.