KENAS Showcases Accreditation Excellence at Boma Yangu Week in Kwale County: Advancing Quality in Housing and Community Empowerment
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) joined other prominent stakeholders at the Mvindeni Grounds in Kwale County from October 14th to 18th, 2024, for the Boma Yangu Exhibition Week, themed “Boma Yangu: Housing the Nation, Empowering the Future.” This dynamic event provided a platform to showcase the government’s collaborative strides toward delivering affordable, quality housing to Kenyans and underscored various aspects of national development, such as youth empowerment and job creation. Hosted by the State Department for Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works, the event drew local and international stakeholders, including government officials, organizations, private sector representatives, and the local community, each united in support of Kenya’s Affordable Housing Agenda.
Affordable Housing and Urbanization Week Launch in Kwale
Kwale Governor, H.E. Fatuma Achani, welcomed distinguished guests, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who was representing H.E. President William Samoei Ruto at the official launch of the weeklong event. Addressing the assembly, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing Kenyans with decent, affordable housing while catalyzing job creation and strengthening key economic sectors, such as construction and MSMEs. Other esteemed guests included H.E. Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Chair of the Council of Governors and Wajir Governor, Hon. Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, and Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, UN-Habitat Executive Director.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi accompanied by H.E. Fatuma Achani, Kwale Governor and Lands CS Hon Alice Wahome at the Affordable Housing booth
KENAS Participation: Promoting Accreditation Excellence to Empower the Construction Industry
Accreditation plays a pivotal role in the construction industry by ensuring that all materials, processes, and systems meet rigorous quality and safety standards, fostering trust in infrastructure projects. For the construction sector, accredited testing and certification of construction materials—such as concrete, steel, and other building essentials—are critical for ensuring structural integrity and durability. Through KENAS's accreditation services, laboratories and certification bodies in the construction field are validated for their competence and reliability, which in turn supports safe, resilient, and sustainable building practices. This foundation of quality assurance is essential for the successful implementation of large-scale initiatives like the Affordable Housing Program, where safety, cost-effectiveness, and public trust are top priorities.
At the KENAS booth, staff engaged visitors on how accredited services enhance each phase of the construction process, fostering trustworthy housing projects. By participating in the Boma Yangu Week in Kwale, KENAS reinforced the role of accreditation in promoting quality standards and bolstering community confidence in housing projects nationwide. Amid a diverse group of exhibitors, KENAS showcased its robust accreditation services, designed to uphold quality and safety in the construction sector. This exhibition served as an ideal opportunity for KENAS to connect with stakeholders interested in how accreditation supports quality and reliability across areas vital to affordable housing, such as construction materials, safety compliance, and product certification.
Members of the public visiting the KENAS stand
Highlighting Community and Government Partnership for Development
The Boma Yangu Exhibition Week exemplified how close collaboration between the government and industry players can drive tangible progress towards critical national objectives. As part of the Affordable Housing Program, this event underscored the importance of both local and international partnerships in achieving the housing goals outlined in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Moreover, the event showcased the role of affordable housing as a significant driver of job creation, especially for young people, and as a sector that strengthens Kenya's economic resilience.
In addition to providing employment opportunities, the Affordable Housing Agenda contributes to MSME growth within the construction and manufacturing sectors. By ensuring that these industries adhere to rigorous quality standards, accreditation plays a vital role in building sustainable communities and enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a trusted hub for quality materials in the regional and global markets. KENAS’s participation showcased the power of accreditation in transforming industries and communities, aligning perfectly with the theme of the week: “Housing the Nation, Empowering the Future.”
As KENAS continues to uphold quality standards across industries, it remains a committed partner in the journey toward sustainable development and housing for all.
