Kenya to Refund US, Canada Buyers Sh375 Million Over ‘Substandard’ EPZ Baby Jeans

Over 100,000 pairs of Kenyan-made baby jeans have been recalled by the US due to safety concerns, resulting in Kenya having to reimburse more than Sh375 million. 

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has denied responsibility for the faulty baby jeans produced in various Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Kenya and sold in the USA. These jeans, sold at retail outlets in America, were recalled due to faulty features. Kebs has stated that it exclusively certifies goods consumed within the country or those with agreements within the East African Community (EAC), and products destined for export are not subject to certification. 

The agency has also said that materials imported by EPZ are exempt from inspection under legal notice number 78 of 2020. Investigations are currently ongoing to determine how the defective jeans passed the Consumer Product Safety Commission's oversight, which is the US counterpart to Kebs. The recall of over 100,000 pairs of Kenyan-made jeans due to safety concerns could harm the confidence of businesses seeking to establish themselves in the region. 

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the baby jeans were not up to standard and posed choking hazards. The Children's Place, a major children's apparel retailer in North America, is expected to offer refunds to customers who purchased the jeans. The recall applies to two styles, with 97,400 sold in the US and 1,800 sold in Canada. The jeans were priced at $25 per piece and had been on the market since September 2022.

Manufacturers are typically responsible for the costs associated with defective products. The recall order was put forth on August 10, 2023, and additional information will be divulged by the CPSC after receiving specifics from the entity that sent out the items. In Canada, the Boy Basic Stretch Straight Leg Jeans are being recalled by Health Canada due to compliance issues. The jeans were sold in the Dustbowl Wash from September 2022 to March 2023, and in the Telford Wash from January to June of this year.