A Gathering of Trust: KENAS Hosts 2025 Assessor Conclave on World Accreditation Day
On World Accreditation Day 2025, the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) brought together the core of its technical workforce—its assessors—for the annual Assessor Conclave, hosted at the Argyle Hotel, Nairobi. Framed under this year’s global theme, “Accreditation: Empowering SMEs,” the event offered a space for reflection, technical updates, and strategic alignment at a time when accreditation is playing an increasingly critical role in shaping Kenya’s economic and regulatory landscape.
In his keynote address, KENAS CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti expressed sincere appreciation for the essential role assessors play in ensuring credibility and competence in Kenya’s conformity assessment ecosystem. He reminded the audience that behind every accredited certificate is the work of assessors who uphold quality and integrity—often under significant pressure and complexity.
This year’s Conclave marked a key moment of transition and transformation for KENAS. Notably, 84% of KENAS’s accredited clients are SMEs, a statistic that underscored the critical role of assessors in empowering the very businesses that form the backbone of the country’s economy. Accreditation, he said, is not simply about ticking regulatory boxes—it is about enabling access to markets, building consumer trust, and driving inclusive economic growth.
As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, KENAS unveiled several internal changes that directly impact assessment work. Mr. Carey Ochogo presented updates on the Quality Management System (QMS), which has undergone a thorough revision aimed at aligning KENAS operations with new international requirements, improving service delivery, and enhancing documentation. This revision includes refreshed procedures, updated criteria documents, streamlined manuals, and clearer rules of engagement.
Global trends were also high on the agenda. A major development shared during the Conclave was the forthcoming merger of ILAC and IAF into a single global body—GLOBAC, which is set to launch officially in January 2026. This merger will unify the international recognition infrastructure for both testing, inspection, and certification services. Assessors were encouraged to begin preparing their CABs early by guiding them to update certificates, adjust documentation, and realign digital and marketing materials with the new GLOBAC identity. The message was clear: proactive communication with clients will be key in ensuring a smooth transition.
Among the most anticipated moments of the day was the address by Ms Caroline Outa, the Chair of ISO CASCO, whose presence at the Conclave reaffirmed the high regard in which KENAS and its assessor community are held globally. In her speech, Madam Outa applauded the application of CASCO tools by Kenyan assessors and shared her commitment to strengthening international collaboration in conformity assessment as she continues to serve as CASCO Chair through 2027. She spoke of major global developments, including the revision of ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17065, which are central to inspection and product certification bodies.
Importantly, Madam Outa announced the development of a new Conformity Assessment E-Learning Framework under CASCO. Designed to be self-paced and modular, this digital training platform will provide assessors around the world with access to flexible, rigorous education that includes end-of-module assessments—ensuring practical, applicable knowledge in real time. Her presence and remarks underscored a shared vision for global harmonization, continuous learning, and stakeholder engagement.
The day was not only about formal presentations. Breakaway sessions offered assessors opportunities to meet with Scheme Managers, discuss practical challenges in the field, and provide feedback that will shape future assessment protocols. These sessions fostered a spirit of dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect. Assessors across schemes also received recognition during a brief awards session that celebrated consistency, excellence, and technical growth in the field.
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Ongeti extended a heartfelt invitation to all present to take part in the upcoming International Accreditation Conference (IAC 2025), set for November. He emphasized that the conference would not only showcase Kenya’s leadership in quality infrastructure but also serve as a strategic platform for engaging on issues such as digital transformation, sustainability, and trade facilitation.
He reminded assessors that their insights and experience are not just valued—they are vital. And as accreditation continues to underpin critical sectors—from healthcare to environmental monitoring, manufacturing to ICT—assessors will remain at the forefront of building systems that citizens, companies, and countries can trust.
The 2025 Assessor Conclave was a powerful reminder that the strength of Kenya’s accreditation system lies in its people. In their diligence, their technical knowledge, and their shared sense of purpose. With the global accreditation landscape evolving and demand for accredited services rising, assessors continue to serve as Kenya’s ambassadors of trust, quality, and competence.
