Nakuru: The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to utilizing accreditation as a transformative tool to boost economic growth and enhance consumer trust. Industrialisation Secretary Professor Erastus Gatebe highlighted ongoing efforts to align Kenya’s accreditation systems with international standards to improve product quality, consumer protection, and economic competitiveness.
According to Kenya News Agency, Professor Gatebe emphasized the critical role of accreditation as a pillar of trust and reliability across various economic sectors. He noted that accreditation ensures products, services, and systems meet stringent quality, health, and safety standards. The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI) is set to support the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) in reviewing the KENAS Act (2019) to better address emerging societal needs.
The remarks were made during a public participation forum at the Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI) in Nakuru, where stakeholders gathered to discuss proposed reforms under the Kenya Accreditation Service (Amendment) Bill 2025. Professor Gatebe underscored the indispensable role of accreditation in fostering innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. He also highlighted its significance in embracing technological advancements and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
The proposed bill is undergoing public scrutiny alongside two draft regulations: the Accreditation (General) Regulations 2025 and the Accreditation (Fees) Regulations 2025. These regulations aim to update accreditation procedures and fees, which have remained unchanged for 17 years. Professor Gatebe explained that the fee review is intended to align with current economic realities while ensuring the sustainability of accreditation services.
The Ministry is collaborating with KENAS and other partners to formulate the Kenya Quality Policy, aiming to harness accreditation’s potential to address future challenges and opportunities. By fostering collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and accreditation bodies, Kenya aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future.
Professor Gatebe reiterated KENAS’s alignment with the government’s agenda to boost manufacturing and drive export-led growth. He emphasized that accreditation ensures product acceptability, safety, and quality. He also addressed the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, emphasizing the need for robust accreditation frameworks.
In December 2024, President William Ruto signed into law the Business Laws (Amendment) Act, mandating KENAS accreditation for all certification, inspection, and testing activities. Aligning accreditation systems with international standards is expected to enhance the credibility of Kenyan products, boost consumer confidence, and enhance competitiveness globally.
Acting Chief Manager for Inspection and Certification at KENAS, Michael Tallam, highlighted the unseen impact of accreditation in strengthening quality infrastructure. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen Kenya’s accreditation framework, enabling access to wider markets. The reforms target Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), crucial for ensuring product and service quality.
With 265 accredited clients, including over 100 medical laboratories, KENAS provides accreditation services across 12 African countries. Mr. Tallam assured that KENAS is committed to strengthening quality infrastructure across Africa, fostering economic growth, and promoting safety and reliability in products and services.
By enhancing mutual recognition of accreditation in Africa, businesses can navigate regulatory environments more easily, facilitating intra-African trade and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives.
