KENAS and JKUAT Partner to Strengthen Laboratory Competence Through ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), in partnership with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), has launched a five-day ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Implementation and Internal Audit Training for staff from Biotrace Laboratories Limited. The training, taking place from 13th to 17th July 2026 at JKUAT's Innovation and Prototyping Integrated Centre (iPIC), is aimed at strengthening laboratory competence and supporting the delivery of reliable, consistent and impartial testing services.
Biotrace Laboratories Limited is a conformity assessment body specializing in pesticide residue and mycotoxin analysis. Through the programme, participants are gaining practical skills in implementing the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and conducting effective internal audits—key requirements for achieving and maintaining laboratory accreditation.
Strengthening Kenya's Quality Infrastructure Through Partnership
The opening ceremony brought together leaders from KENAS, JKUAT and Biotrace Laboratories Limited, reflecting the partners' shared commitment to strengthening Kenya's quality infrastructure through collaboration, capacity building and technical excellence.
The event was graced by the Principal, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Prof. George Thiong'o, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi. He was accompanied by Dr. Elijah Ngumba, Chairman of the Department of Chemistry, and Prof. Anthony Gachanja. Biotrace Laboratories Limited was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ryan Karungo, while the KENAS delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Walter Ongeti, and the Chief Manager, Laboratories, Lucy Namu.
Prof. Thiong'o noted that strengthening analytical chemistry capacity is essential for producing competent professionals and advancing laboratory excellence. He observed that the partnership between JKUAT and KENAS demonstrates a shared commitment to developing a robust national quality infrastructure through research, innovation and the application of internationally recognized standards.
Dr. Ryan Karungo reaffirmed Biotrace Laboratories Limited's commitment to achieving accreditation and delivering internationally recognized laboratory services. He thanked KENAS and JKUAT for their continued support in strengthening technical competence and promoting continuous improvement within the laboratory sector.
Speaking on behalf of KENAS, Dr. Walter Ongeti emphasized that ISO/IEC 17025:2017 provides the internationally recognized framework for competent testing and calibration laboratories, while accreditation assures customers and regulators that laboratory results are technically valid and reliable. He reaffirmed KENAS' commitment to partnering with academia and industry to build technical capacity, strengthen Kenya's quality infrastructure and enhance global competitiveness.
Building Competence for International Recognition
The programme combines theoretical and practical sessions on the implementation of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, risk-based thinking, quality management system documentation, internal auditing techniques and continual improvement. Participants will gain practical knowledge to establish and maintain management systems that meet international accreditation requirements.
The training reflects the shared commitment of KENAS, JKUAT and Biotrace Laboratories Limited to developing competent laboratories capable of producing reliable and internationally accepted results. Through such partnerships, KENAS continues to strengthen confidence in conformity assessment services, facilitate trade, protect consumers and support Kenya's socio-economic development.
