Moses Kuria Fires 37 Govt Employees

In a recent development on 3 September 2023, Trade CS Moses Kuria has taken significant actions within the government, announcing the removal of 37 inspectors from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). This move, carried out under Section 13 of the Standards Act, effectively terminated their roles as of Friday, September 1.

To fill the void left by these departures, Kuria promptly appointed 51 new inspectors, aligning with the mandates outlined in the Standards Act.

These inspectors are tasked with conducting inspections at various premises and collecting samples of commodities involved in manufacturing, production, processing, or treatment for testing. If they identify contaminated products, they possess the authority to order the destruction of these detained goods.

The Standards Act specifies that the Minister, upon request from the National Standards Council, can appoint suitable individuals as inspectors. These appointees must either be public officers or members of the Kenya Bureau of Standards’ staff, receiving a certificate of appointment authorized by the Minister.

Additionally, in a separate appointment, Kuria named Willy Kenei to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). Kenei’s tenure in this role is set for three years, commencing from September 1, 2023.

This move comes under the authority vested in the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry by section 3 (3) (c) of the Export Processing Zones Act. Willy Kenei, previously the Uasin Gishu chairman for the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), steps into this new role with the aim of contributing to EPZA’s initiatives.

In conclusion, these government personnel changes spearheaded by Moses Kuria signal a significant reshuffling within the ranks of the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Export Processing Zones Authority.

These appointments and dismissals will undoubtedly have an impact on the regulatory and oversight functions of these organizations. Stay tuned for further developments as we track these changes in the government sector.