Nakuru: KEBS Chairperson, Dr. Chrisantus Wamalwa, has announced Kenya’s strategic efforts to align with international accreditation standards, a move seen as crucial in the country’s journey towards achieving a new industrialized status. Dr. Wamalwa, speaking in Nakuru, underscored the importance of accrediting Kenyan technicians to meet global standards, ensuring safety, quality, and international recognition.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has launched a Welders Certification Scheme to align local practices with international standards. This initiative aims to boost Kenya’s presence on the global stage by enabling local welders to qualify for international job opportunities. The Chairman highlighted that the accreditation of technicians is essential for public safety, referencing past incidents of structural failures due to poor quality.
The certification scheme is rooted in international standards, such as ISO 9606-1 and ISO 3834, with certificates valid for three years and renewable. The program targets welders across various sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction, aiming to enhance local skills and enable youths to work globally. Dr. Wamalwa emphasized that accreditation by KEBS will reduce structural failures and open doors to professional development.
KEBS Managing Director, Ms. Veska Kangogo, stressed the critical role of accreditation in ensuring technical competence and global competitiveness. She reaffirmed KEBS’s commitment to using accreditation as a catalyst for transformation, adopting systems aligned with international best practices to enhance product quality and consumer protection. Ms. Kangogo noted that accreditation fosters innovation and drives economic growth, promoting sustainable development and integrating emerging technologies.
Ms. Kangogo elaborated that accreditation promotes environmentally friendly practices and supports sustainable development goals. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and accreditation bodies to build a resilient and inclusive future. The rapid pace of technological advancements necessitates robust accreditation frameworks to address challenges related to security and privacy.
Aligning accreditation systems with international standards improves the credibility of Kenyan products and services, boosting consumer confidence and enhancing global competitiveness. Ms. Kangogo pointed out that accreditation is central to the country’s transformation journey, ensuring consumer safety and driving industrial growth. She stressed that Kenya must actively integrate accreditation practices across sectors to join the ranks of developed nations.
Accreditation provides formal recognition that institutions meet global standards of competence, essential for expanding access to export markets and attracting foreign investment. Ms. Kangogo noted that accreditation strengthens quality infrastructure and improves systems across various sectors, shaping the performance and reliability of industries that drive national economies.
