The number of companies supposedly manufacturing roofing iron sheets has grown tremendously over the past five years.
Many of these companies are briefcase ones. Some do not even rent go-downs. They brand themselves well and easily pass for genuine firms with decent corporate images.
However, they hardly pay the requisite taxes. They exploit the high demand for roofing materials and often capitalise on irresistible lower price offerings.
A closer look, however, reveals that their sizes are small. Their quality is perhaps the worst.
They deceive unsuspecting buyers with fresh coats of paint and inviting designs whose patents they do not own. They do not manufacture anything. They import nearly 100 per cent ready. They mostly cut and/or re-paint the same.
Such companies engage in aggressive online and mainstream media advertising, mimicking genuine brands.
According to the Consumers Federation of Kenya, Secretary General Stephen Mutoro, the quality of their roofing materials is bad, and the mabati changes colour too soon. Often, the design patterns and the colours are not exactly what they advertise.
"Because the majority do not pay requisite taxes and mostly employ casual staff, they often afford to hoodwink consumers with what appears to be high-quality materials for much less."
The Consumer Level Survey Report 2025 by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) lists iron sheets and their affiliated product as the most counterfeited products in the building and construction industry.
Attracted by the low prices, reality finally hits the unsuspecting customers when the iron sheets wear out soon after and they have to replace them. Substandard mabati are lighter, fade and corrode quickly, leading to leaks within a short period.
According to industry experts, genuine roof mabati bears a hard layer that protects the roof from the elements. Their vibrant colours are protected against ultraviolet rays, which translates to minimal and or no colour changes.
They insist that a good quality metal roofing ought to serve a buyer for an average of 40 years. On the contrary, fake ones start peeling, fading, corroding, and or leaking in under five years.
It is now emerging that fraudulent mabati sellers spray their products with fresh and appealing paint and other sandy coatings to cover up their fake state.
"There is a need to address this exploitation. First, the government, through the Ministry of Trade and Industrialisation, should regulate the use of the word mabati to ensure the stated threshold in terms of quality is met. Importers of ready-made mabati who disguise themselves as local manufacturers must be stopped from registering a company by the same name and or posing as genuine manufacturers,'' Mutoro says in one of his opinion pieces.
Scammers often exploit the trust people place in what appear to be legitimate businesses.
With the rise of e-commerce, online fraud has become increasingly prevalent, particularly among buyers who overlook crucial security measures while shopping. Unfortunately, this leaves many vulnerable to scams.
To cure this, manufacturers of roofing solutions have continuously invested in safeguarding customers against such fraudulent activities.
The Star spoke with one of the country's leading manufacturers, Royal Mabati, which has, over time, significantly enhanced its online shopping experience to ensure security, transparency, and trust.
According to the firm, it has one authenticated and secure website where all trading happens.
This limits scammers who use various tactics to imitate legitimate websites and con buyers, primarily through fake or phishing websites designed to steal personal information and financial data.
They often mimic well-known brands or create websites with similar names to trick users into entering sensitive information. The firm advises customers to verify that they are on www.royalmabati.com.
To avoid overpayment or paying for the wrong product, Royal Mabati's website has detailed product information and pricing.
All product quotations and special offers provided on the official website are authentic. This eliminates confusion and protects customers from falling for misleadingly low prices promoted on fake sites impersonating Royal Mabati Factory Limited.
The buyer must get accurate quotations, secure a purchase and make sure to appropriately arrange product delivery. The website is encrypted to protect user data and block fraud.
The firm has a dedicated official number, ready for any inquiries or assistance. This line is available to provide reliable support and guidance.
"Royal Mabati has taken a strong stance against fraudulent activity. In the past, when scammers posed as company representatives, the company collaborated with law enforcement to investigate and successfully apprehend two individuals involved in fraud. This reflects Royal Mabati’s dedication to protecting its customers."
Once the purchase is made, the company makes sure that it is recorded, and customers receive a tracking number for their delivery, adding convenience and transparency to the buying process.
Offline shopping is encouraged at Royal Mabati.
Customers are welcome to shop at the Royal Mabati head office located at Sabaki Road, Mlolongo, along Mombasa Road opposite Signature Mall. Additionally, there are service centers and branches across Kenya Eldoret, Bungoma, Kisii, Kericho, Kisumu, Nakuru. Nanyuki and Kakamega. Customers can also channel inquiries through verified social media handles.
"The firm remains committed to providing quality products, excellent service, and a secure shopping experience. Always ensure you're using official platforms and contacts to avoid scams and shop with confidence."
Mutoro quips that it must be made expensive for people to trade in substandard, counterfeit, and even illicit products.
"Destruction of condemned goods at the cost of the manufacturer or importer must be done swiftly so that it can serve as a deterrence. It’s time to rein in the cartels that continue to play havoc on the economy and consumers."
