The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a serious warning to the public about the growing circulation of counterfeit electrical extension sockets in the country, cautioning that these fake products could lead to deadly fires or even electrocution.
The alert comes after KEBS officials seized over 24,000 substandard extension sockets valued at Ksh2.5 million during an inspection at the Port of Mombasa. The intercepted shipment, packed in a 16-metric-tonne container, had been imported from China and was headed for the local market.
Confirming the seizure, KEBS revealed that the extension sockets failed to meet required safety standards and were found lacking key protective features necessary to ensure safe usage in homes and workplaces. The sockets posed multiple safety hazards, most notably a high risk of fire and electrocution.
“These extensions did not meet the basic safety requirements. They had no proper insulation, grounding, or overload protection. Such poor-quality electrical products can easily spark fires or cause severe electric shocks,” KEBS stated.
Following the seizure, the fake consignment was handed over to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), which will either destroy the items or ship them back to the country of origin, with all costs borne by the importer.
One of the most common dangers with counterfeit extension sockets is the likelihood of fire. This often happens because the internal wiring uses low-grade or extremely thin copper wires—or in some cases, copper-coated aluminum—which cannot handle the amount of current safely. As a result, the wires overheat, increasing the chances of fire.
Other contributing factors to fire hazards include weak plugs, cheap plastic casings, poor insulation, and the complete lack of overload protection, which is crucial in any electrical device. These faults can lead to both appliances and the socket itself catching fire.
Aside from the risk of fire, the fake sockets also pose a serious danger of electrocution. Poorly insulated wires, exposed metal parts, and loose electrical connections can allow electric current to escape, directly harming users.
Additionally, these counterfeit products can damage household appliances and electronics. Due to poor wiring and unstable voltage regulation, they can cause short-circuits or overloads that lead to devices malfunctioning or burning out.
Despite the clear risks, fake extension sockets are still widely available in Kenyan markets. According to KEBS, this is mainly due to their lower price, the availability of such products in informal and unregulated markets, lack of public awareness on how to spot genuine items, and weak enforcement at border points, which allows illegal imports to enter the country.
KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari issued a stern warning to importers who continue to bring substandard goods into Kenya. She emphasized that the agency will remain vigilant and take strong action against anyone violating safety regulations.
“I want to make it clear to all importers—bringing substandard goods into this country will not be tolerated,” Ngari warned. “Our mission is to protect Kenyan consumers. Every product entering Kenya must meet our safety and quality standards.”
She added, “Whether your goods are inspected before shipment or upon arrival, we are especially watchful when it comes to electrical products. We will not allow anything unsafe into our market.”
KEBS is urging all Kenyans to be extra cautious when buying electrical accessories and to purchase only from trusted outlets that stock certified, quality-assured products. The Bureau continues to carry out random checks and market surveillance to ensure public safety remains a top priority.
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