Several products sold in major Chinese retail outlets in Kenya have been found to violate national labelling laws by displaying information solely in Mandarin. This includes items ranging from baby and feminine care to electronics and industrial adhesives.

The affected stores—Mia Duck, China Square, and Panda Mart—offer goods bearing the Kenya Bureau of Standards’ (Kebs) Import Standardisation Mark (ISM), which certifies products as meeting local standards. However, the exclusive use of Mandarin on packaging contravenes Kenyan regulations requiring product information to be in English or Kiswahili.

Consumer Risks and Regulatory Concerns

Shoppers like Caleb Okari have experienced confusion and potential health risks due to the language barrier. After purchasing a tube of adhesive from Mia Duck, Okari discovered through translation that it was an industrial product not intended for household use, posing safety hazards if mishandled.

Health authorities caution that improper use of such adhesives can lead to dizziness, headaches, and skin irritation, underscoring the importance of clear labelling.

Retailers’ Response and Legal Framework

Retailers acknowledge the issue but attribute it to manufacturers supplying pre-packaged products. They advise customers to seek assistance from staff or use translation tools. However, this practice conflicts with the Weights and Measures (Sale and Labelling of Goods) Rules, 1999, which mandate that all essential product details be presented in English or Kiswahili to enable safe and informed consumer decisions.

Kebs has confirmed that selling imported goods without relabelling in an approved language is illegal and has pledged enforcement actions against offenders. The bureau’s Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme is designed to ensure compliance before products enter the Kenyan market, though occasional lapses occur due to misdeclaration or regulatory circumvention.

Implications for Kenyan Consumers

  • Products labelled only in Mandarin limit consumer understanding and safety.
  • Non-compliant goods undermine local regulatory standards despite carrying the ISM mark.
  • Kenya’s reliance on Chinese imports—valued at Sh671 billion last year—means such issues could affect numerous products nationwide.

Consumer advocates stress that language compliance is not a mere formality but a fundamental right enabling buyers to make informed choices and use products safely.