Refining the Future of Accreditation: KENAS Strategic Plan 2024-2028 Stakeholders Validation and Review Workshop
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) convened a pivotal online Stakeholders Validation and Review Workshop via Microsoft Teams to refine and validate the draft KENAS Strategic Plan 2024-2028. This interactive session brought together over 79 key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and regional accreditation bodies, all united by a shared vision of enhancing Kenya’s accreditation landscape.
Why a Strategic Plan Matters
A strategic plan is essential for any organization seeking long-term success and impact. It provides a clear roadmap, outlining priorities, goals, and the steps needed to achieve them. Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), as the national accreditation body, plays a critical role in ensuring quality assurance and conformity assessment in Kenya. This strategic plan outlines the organization's vision, priorities, and implementation framework for the next five years, aligning with national and global quality standards.
For KENAS, the Strategic Plan 2024-2028 will serve as a guiding framework to enhance accreditation services, align with national and global quality standards, and proactively respond to industry and regulatory changes. A well-structured plan ensures resources are allocated effectively, progress is measurable, and all efforts contribute to a shared mission.
The Power of Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is a cornerstone of effective strategic planning. Involving stakeholders from diverse sectors ensures the plan is comprehensive, realistic, and aligned with real-world needs. Their insights help identify potential challenges, validate strategic objectives, and shape practical, impactful solutions. By fostering open dialogue, KENAS strengthens relationships with key partners, encourages collective ownership of the strategic direction, and reinforces trust in its accreditation leadership.
A Collaborative Beginning
The workshop was officially opened with remarks from KENAS CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti, KENAS Board Chairperson Mr. ngeny Biwott, and a representative from the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry.
The Industrialization Secretary, Prof. Erastus Gatebe, speaking on behalf the Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana, CBS, under the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry emphasized how accreditation strengthens product quality, facilitates market access, and positions Kenya as a leader in the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also highlighted the recent amendment to the Kenya Accreditation Service Act No. 17 of 2019 and the Standards Act (Cap 496) that marks a significant milestone in strengthening Kenya’s accreditation framework.
Mr. Biwott reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to advancing Kenya’s accreditation and quality assurance framework with his speech highlighting the crucial role of accreditation in supporting Kenya’s economic transformation and global competitiveness.
In his address, Dr. Ongeti outlined the strategic focus for the next five years which aim to position KENAS as a leader in accreditation services, driving quality assurance and supporting Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets. These include:
1. Enhancing Accreditation and Training Services
2. Enhancing Financial Sustainability
3. Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Governance
Key Discussions and Insights
Stakeholders actively contributed to discussions, with a dynamic exchange of ideas, revealing critical insights to refine the draft strategic plan. Key themes emerged, reflecting stakeholders' priorities and expectations including:
- Alignment with National and International Quality Standards: Stakeholders stressed the need for KENAS's strategic objectives to align with Kenya’s development goals (e.g., Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda) and global accreditation frameworks.
- Strategic Goals Prioritization: While KENAS operates under 21 mandates, stakeholders recommended a sharper focus on core accreditation functions, suggesting a balanced distribution of goals between primary and supporting functions.
- Financial Sustainability and Resource Mobilization: Affordability, especially for SMEs, emerged as a concern. Stakeholders recommended diversification of funding sources and strategic resource mobilization to ensure sustainable service delivery.
- Accreditation Awareness and Visibility: Calls for more advocacy and industry outreach were made to enhance the understanding and demand for accredited services. Suggestions included partnering with trade associations and running public awareness campaigns.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger ties with regulatory authorities, industry players, and international accreditation bodies to build a more robust quality infrastructure.
- Operational Efficiency and Digital Transformation: Questions arose about KENAS’s digital strategy. Stakeholders recommended leveraging technology to streamline accreditation processes, provide online training, and enhance stakeholder engagement.
- Implementation and Performance Measurement: Participants underscored the need for clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.
Moving Forward
Looking ahead, KENAS will refine the strategic plan based on stakeholder recommendations, ensuring it remains responsive to industry needs and regulatory dynamics. The detailed proceedings, including questions, comments, and expectations, will guide the finalization phase.
Stakeholder engagement doesn't end with validation — it extends through implementation. KENAS invites all participants to remain active partners in executing the strategic initiatives, contributing to a quality-driven future for Kenya.
With this collaborative spirit, KENAS is poised to strengthen its accreditation framework, enhance service delivery, and play a pivotal role in Kenya’s journey towards industrial excellence and global trade leadership.
