Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has published new standards for eco-friendly lighting alternatives in Kenya.
The new standard, KS 2914:2020 (Kenya Standard for Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Functional Performance Requirements for General Service Lamps (GSLs), aims to tackle the performance, functional, and safety requirements of lighting technologies.
The lamps offer only up to 1,000 hours of life which is less than one year. The life of each Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), commonly-known as energy saver bulbs has a minimum of 6,000 hours which translates to four (4 )years based on an average of thirty (30)-days per month according to KS 2446-1:2013. Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting services.
Unfortunately, this type of energy-saving lamp, contains mercury, a toxic substance that requires special disposal of the lamps separate from general and household wastes.
Out of ignorance and non-compliance most households, businesses and industrial establishments dispose CFL bulbs with other common wastes, releasing mercury into the environment as a result. This translates to a biogeochemical cycle that contaminates soil, air, groundwater and surface water where it accumulates and moves up the food chain.
It is against this background that the Kenya Standard, KS 2914:2020 was developed to address environmental challenges as well as embrace the newer technologies like those based on solid-state lighting and commonly referred to as Light Emitting Diodes (LED).
Unlike CFL bulbs that can offer up to 8,000 hours of use, LED lamps offer as much as 25,000 hours (more than six (6) years) of light per bulb. Additionally, the LED lamps do not contain mercury, resulting in overall protection of the environment.
“The KS 2914:2020 requirements will ensure that lighting products in the market are energy-efficient, long-lasting and add value for money. They will also raise the quality, reliability and value of the lighting products offered for sale in the market with the aim of phasing out inefficient technologies of lighting,” says Lt. Col (Rtd.) Bernard Njiraini, Managing Director, KEBS.
The requirements for labelling will ensure that the products and product packaging give the discerning buyers the information they require to select and buy the most efficient ones at the point of sale.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, KEBS is offering free access to selected Standards to interested parties, stakeholders, manufacturers and the public, for a limited access on KEBS Webstore, then by clicking on PPEs Free Standards.
To access a full list of the Standards approved or confirmed by the National Standards Council in November 2020, you can check out the KEBS website.