Mistakes Companies Make When Buying PPE in Kenya

⚠️ Top 5 Mistakes Companies Make When Buying PPE in Kenya (And How to Avoid Them)

When it comes to workplace safety, cutting corners is never worth it. Yet many businesses in Kenya unknowingly make critical mistakes when sourcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—mistakes that can cost them in fines, lawsuits, lost tenders, or worse, human lives.

At Bansi Safety Gear, we’ve worked with hundreds of Kenyan companies and procurement officers. From this experience, we’ve identified the top five PPE purchasing mistakes—and how you can avoid them to ensure safety, compliance, and value for money.

Let’s dive in.

❌ Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Price, Not Quality

Many buyers default to the cheapest available PPE, especially when under budget pressure. While saving money is important, low-cost PPE is often low-quality, and in many cases:

Wears out quickly (higher replacement costs)
Lacks essential protection
Is not KEBS-certified or OSHA-compliant
Causes injuries or safety risks

💡 How to Avoid It:
Balance affordability with certification, durability, and reputation. Always ask for product specs and documentation. At Bansi Safety Gear, we offer affordable safety gear that doesn’t compromise on quality.

❌ Mistake #2: Buying from Non-Specialized Vendors

Many companies purchase PPE from hardware stores, supermarkets, or general suppliers who don’t specialize in safety equipment. The result?

Incorrect gear for the job
No advice or product knowledge
No after-sales support
Risk of counterfeits

🛑 For example, a construction company might buy gloves meant for gardening instead of heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves.

💡 How to Avoid It:
Work with dedicated PPE suppliers like Bansi Safety Gear. We understand the different needs of each industry and can guide you on the right gear for your environment.

❌ Mistake #3: Not Verifying KEBS or International Certification

In Kenya, using non-certified PPE is a compliance risk. Many tenders, NGOs, and public institutions require proof of KEBS certification or equivalent standards (ISO, ANSI, EN). Failure to provide this can result in:

Disqualification from contracts
Penalties during OSH audits
Increased liability in case of incidents

💡 How to Avoid It:
Always ask for documentation. Genuine suppliers will provide KEBS approval numbers, ISO ratings, or Standardization Marks (SM). At Bansi, all our gear is certified and suitable for Kenyan standards.

❌ Mistake #4: Not Considering the Job or Industry Requirements

Safety equipment is not one-size-fits-all. The gear needed by a welder in Nairobi is very different from what a boda boda rider or healthcare worker would need. Yet, some buyers order PPE without consulting their team or assessing job-specific risks.

💡 How to Avoid It:
Before placing an order, ask:

What hazards are we trying to protect against?
Is this PPE suited for our climate and work environment?
Do we need full-body protection, or just helmets and boots?
Are there any sector regulations or client requirements?

✅ Pro tip: At Bansi Safety Gear, we offer industry-specific PPE packages to help clients make smarter decisions.

❌ Mistake #5: Not Planning for Resupply or After-Sales Support

PPE needs regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement. Yet, many companies make a one-time purchase and don’t plan for resupply, warranty issues, or ongoing training. This leads to:

Inconsistent safety standards
Delays when gear runs out
Lack of vendor accountability

💡 How to Avoid It:
Choose a long-term supplier, not a one-time vendor. Bansi Safety Gear offers:

Bulk order tracking
Scheduled resupply contracts
Warranty-backed gear
Customer support even after delivery

🚧 Real Example: What Can Go Wrong?

A manufacturing company in Thika once bought 500 pairs of “steel-toe boots” from an unverified online seller at a heavily discounted price. Within 2 months:

Over 60% of the boots had torn
Several workers slipped due to poor sole grip
A foot injury occurred and the insurance claim was denied because the PPE wasn’t certified

🛡️ They now work with Bansi Safety Gear, and have had zero incidents since switching.

✅ Quick PPE Buyer’s Checklist for Kenyan Businesses

Before you place your next PPE order, ask these five questions:

✅ Is the PPE certified (KEBS, ISO, EN, etc.)?
✅ Is it appropriate for the job or industry?
✅ Is it from a specialized safety supplier?
✅ Does it come with documentation and warranty?
✅ Can the supplier support resupply or future orders?

If the answer is “no” to any of these, it may be time to switch suppliers.

🏆 Why Choose Bansi Safety Gear?

We help Kenyan businesses avoid these costly mistakes by offering:

🛡️ Only certified and compliant safety gear
🧠 Expert product recommendations
🚚 Fast, nationwide delivery
📄 KEBS and compliance documentation for tenders
🛍️ PPE packages for construction, healthcare, transport, and more
📞 Ongoing customer support and resupply options

From Nairobi to Eldoret, Mombasa to Kisumu, businesses trust us to keep their teams safe—and their operations compliant.

📞 Ready to Buy PPE the Right Way?

Get in touch today to discuss your needs, get a free PPE consultation, or request a quick quote.

📱 Call or WhatsApp: 0797619609
📧 Email: bansisafetygear@gmail.com
🌍 Website: www.bansisafetygear.co.ke
📍 Delivery: Anywhere in Kenya