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Frequently asked questions

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is a commitment by KEBS to improve service delivery to customers and other stakeholders. It also serves to enhance public awareness on the role of KEBS.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Metrology

What is Metrology?

Metrology is the science of measurement and its application.

KEBS is the custodian of ththe National Reference Standards of Measurement in Kenya which are traceable to the international systems of units (SI). KEBSis the designated National Metrology institute (NMI) in kenya
I often confuse METEOROLOGY and METROLOGY. What is the difference?

Meteorology is the science dealing with the atmosphere and its phenomena, including both weather and climate. Metrology on the other hand is the science of measurements and its applications.
What is the international system of units (SI)?

The international systems of units is the modern form of the metric system that is based on the seven (7) base units: the meter (length; symbol: m), The second (time; symbol: s),the kilogram (mass; symbol: kg), the ampere (electric current; symbol: A), the kelvin (temperature; symbol: K), the mol (amount of substance; symbol: mol), the candela (Luminous intensity; symbol: Cd)

The other units of measurements in the SI are derived from the 7 base units. This includes units for speed, volume etc.
What services are offered by metrology?

Services offered in Metrology include:

a) Realization and maintenance of units of measurements

b) Calibration

c) Training on measurements.

d) Laboratory comparison

e) Research and developments
What is Calibration?

This is the act of checking and/or adjusting the accuracy of a measuring instrument by comparing it with a Standard instrument of higher accuracy which has traceability to the international system of units (SI).
What equipment can be calibrated?

Equipment used in industries, research, educational institutions, aviation,the health sector etc.

Examples of equipment are:

• Weighing scales/ balances, incubators, clinical thermometers, temperature controllers, blood pressure machines, flow meters, tanks, ovens, cold rooms, pressure gauges, noise level meters, pH meters, spectrophotometers, light meters, acoustic/ultrasonic devices, x-ray machines, large storage tanks etc.

• Material testing machines, Hardness testing machines, torques wrenches, load cells, torque meters, Vernier calipers, micrometers, GO and NO GO gauges, dipping tapes, tachometers, stop watches, oscilloscopes, generators, density meter, viscometers and hydrometers etc.

All medical equipment such as Thermometers, baby incubators, blood pressure equipment, X-Ray machines etc.
Why should I have my equipment calibrated?

There are several benefits to having your equipment calibrated. Below are some of the key benefits of calibrating your equipment.

i) Accuracy: Calibration ensures that measuring instruments provide accurate results crucial in ensuring quality and safety of products and services.

ii) Preventative maintenance: Regular calibration identifies and corrects issues before they lead to device failure or inaccurate measurements.

iii) Traceability: Calibration establishes a traceable link to national and international standards boosting confidence in measurement results.

iv) Compliance: Many industries require calibrated instruments to meet regulatory and legislative requirements.
What are the consequences of not having my equipment calibrated?

i) Inaccurate measurements: Equipment may produce misleading results compromising quality and increasing defect rates.

ii) Safety risks: Uncalibrated equipment can lead to unsafe working conditions risking employee safety and potentially leading to accidents and injuries.

iii) Increased cost: Poor calibration can result in higher operational cost due to inefficiencies and potential equipment damages.

iv) Legal and compliance issues: Measurements used as a basis of transactions have legal and regulatory matters attached to them. Performing measurements that are non-compliant with sector specific regulations could lead to fines, legal action and loss of certification.

v) Reputation Damage: Inaccurate measurements could lead to delivery of substandard products which could erode customer confidence.
What metrology laboratories are available at KEBS?

• Density and viscosity laboratory

• Force, torque and hardness laboratory

• Length and industrial measurement laboratory

• Mass and balance calibration laboratory

• Pressure and vacuum laboratory

• Temperature laboratory

• Volume and flow laboratory

• Photometry laboratory

• Acoustics and Vibration laboratory

• Ionizing radiation (Dosimetry) laboratory

• DC and low frequency laboratory

• Time and Frequency laboratory

• Energy and Transformer laboratory

c) Support units

• Instrumentation workshop

• Mechanical workshop

• Liaison Office
Who needs Metrology services in Kenya?

a) Service industries.

b) Construction industries.

c) Hospitals.

d) Research, Universities and technical and vocational training institutes

e) Manufacturers and Producers, amongst others.

f) Oil industries

g) Accredited laboratories

h) Aviation Industries

i) Steel production Industries

j) Sports

k) Regulators

l) Mining Industries

m) Shipping Industries

n) Transport Industries

o) Farmers

p) SME’s

q) Automobile Industries

r) Military

s) Railway
I want my equipment to be calibrated at KEBS. How do I go about this?
To have your equipment calibrated at KEBS, follow the easy steps as listed below:
1. Send a request for a quotation for calibration to info.metrology@kebs .org with the official name and address of the company (or individual) as it will appear on the certificate, the name, make and model of the equipment, the measurement range and whether the equipment is to be calibrated on site or at KEBS.
2. Our customer liaison officer will contact the laboratory regarding the request and will revert with a quotation. In case of any clarification, you will be contacted directly.
3. You will be required to present the quotation to KEBS cash office for a proforma invoice to be issued. This will contain the details required for payment to be through eCitizen.
Make the payment and deliver the equipment to KEBS. In case your requested for calibration to be done at your site, our officers will reach out to you to plan for site for calibration.
How do I make a payment for calibration services?

The Government of Kenya requires that all payments be made through the E-Citizen platform. Once you have the quotation, present it to KEBS cash office to be issued with a proforma invoice which contains the reference number which you will quote when paying through eCitizen.

KINDLY NOTE THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THE EXACT AMOUNT FOR THE PAYMENT TO BE FINALISED ON ECITIZEN AND A RECEIPT ISSUED. PAYING MORE OR LESS WILL REQUIRE THAT THE PAYMENT IS REVERSED AND REPEATED WHICH MAY LEAD TO YOU INCURRING ADDITIONAL CHARGES.
How do I send my equipment to KEBS for calibration?

There are several options available to you.

i) You can hand deliver the items to KEBS

ii) You can send the items to KEBS through courier services. We strongly advise that you communicate the handling requirements accurately to the courier services provider to avoid damage during transit.

iii) For non-local customers, kindly reach out to us to help you make the necessary custom clearance arrangements. In as much as you can do this on your own, our experience has shown us that it is much easier for KEBS to help you with the process. It will be your responsibility to meet any custom charges.
How do I contact KEBS Metrology for quotations and other general inquiries?

Our email address is info.metrology@kebs.org. Kindly send your inqu iries there and we shall respond to you.

In line with the government’s directive to digitize all payments for improved revenue collection and service delivery, all KEBS payments must now be made exclusively through the eCitizen platform.