Every day, governments around the world introduce new regulations to protect human, animal and plant health, safeguard consumers, and protect the environment. While these measures serve legitimate public policy objectives, they can also affect international trade if exporters are unaware of changing requirements. Timely access to regulatory information is therefore critical for businesses seeking to access, maintain, and expand their presence in international markets.

It is against this backdrop that the National Workshop of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Project on Improving the Use of the ePing SPS & TBT Platform to Enhance Transparency for Market Access is taking place in Nairobi from 1st to 3rd July 2026.

The workshop follows the official launch of the STDF-funded project, "Improving the Use of the ePing SPS & TBT Platform to Enhance Transparency for Market Access (STDF/PG/1000)," held in Nairobi in December 2025. The project is being implemented in five beneficiary countries—Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda—with the objective of increasing the uptake and effective use of the ePing SPS & TBT Platform to promote transparency, predictability, and regulatory coordination.

As Kenya's National Accreditation Body, KENAS plays an important role in strengthening the country's quality infrastructure by accrediting competent conformity assessment bodies. Through accreditation, KENAS builds confidence in the competence and impartiality of organisations that undertake testing, calibration, medical laboratory services, inspection, certification, proficiency testing, and reference material production. This confidence supports regulators, industry, consumers, and trading partners, while facilitating the acceptance of conformity assessment results across borders.

KENAS is represented at the workshop by Chief Manager, Ms. Lucy Namu. As a member of Kenya's National Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), KENAS contributes its expertise on accreditation and conformity assessment procedures, supporting the implementation of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade and promoting internationally accepted best practices.

The ePing SPS & TBT Platform, developed jointly by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), is an online notification and information system that enables governments, businesses, exporters, and other stakeholders to track proposed and newly adopted Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) measures across the world. Users can subscribe to notifications relevant to their products and export markets, allowing them to anticipate regulatory changes and respond in a timely manner.

The Nairobi workshop aims to strengthen participants' capacity to effectively use the platform, gather user feedback to enhance its functionality, and develop country-specific training approaches that address national priorities. By increasing awareness and utilisation of ePing, the initiative is expected to improve transparency, foster regulatory cooperation, and strengthen engagement between government institutions, the private sector, and other stakeholders involved in international trade.

For KENAS, participation in the workshop provides an important opportunity to contribute to national discussions on trade facilitation and quality infrastructure while reinforcing the value of accreditation in supporting conformity assessment. Competent and internationally recognised conformity assessment services reduce unnecessary duplication of testing, inspection, and certification, enhance confidence in products and services, and facilitate access to regional and global markets.

Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) has accredited the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kenya's Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) Nairobi Laboratory to ISO 15189:2022 – Medical Laboratories – Requirements for Quality and Competence.

The accreditation covers the laboratory's scope in Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology (Mycobacteriology), and Immunology (Serology), demonstrating that these services have been independently assessed and found to meet internationally recognised requirements for quality and technical competence.

Supporting Confidence in Migration Health Services

Migration health assessment centres play an important role in protecting public health by providing medical examinations for migrants and other mobile populations. Laboratory services are at the heart of these assessments, generating results that support clinical decision-making and, where applicable, immigration health requirements. The accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of these results are therefore critical.

The accredited scope reflects key areas of laboratory medicine that are essential to migration health. Clinical Chemistry supports the assessment of organ function and general health, Microbiology (Mycobacteriology) plays a vital role in the detection of tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases of public health significance, while Immunology (Serology) supports the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious diseases through the detection of antibodies and other immunological markers.

By achieving ISO 15189:2022 accreditation, IOM Kenya has demonstrated that these services are delivered within a robust quality management system by competent personnel using validated methods and internationally accepted best practices.

The Value of Accreditation

ISO 15189:2022 is the international standard that specifies the requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories. Accreditation to this standard provides independent assurance that a laboratory consistently produces reliable and accurate results that are fit for their intended clinical purpose.

For migration health programmes, this assurance is particularly important. Reliable laboratory results contribute to sound clinical decisions, strengthen confidence among healthcare providers, governments, and international partners, and support the delivery of quality healthcare services to people on the move.

KENAS' Role

As Kenya's National Accreditation Body, KENAS accredits competent medical laboratories against internationally recognised standards through rigorous assessments conducted by qualified lead assessors and technical experts. Accreditation is complemented by regular surveillance and reassessment to ensure laboratories continue to maintain the required level of competence.

Through accreditation, KENAS contributes to strengthening Kenya's healthcare system by promoting confidence in diagnostic services, supporting regulatory oversight, and facilitating the international recognition of laboratory results.

A Commitment to Quality and Excellence

KENAS congratulates the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kenya on this important achievement.

The accreditation of the Migration Health Assessment Centre Nairobi Laboratory is a testament to IOM Kenya's commitment to quality, technical competence, and continual improvement. It also highlights the critical role accreditation plays in ensuring that medical laboratories provide results that healthcare professionals, patients, regulators, and international stakeholders can trust.

As more medical laboratories embrace accreditation, Kenya continues to strengthen its quality infrastructure, improve confidence in healthcare services, and support better health outcomes. KENAS remains committed to working with healthcare institutions and other conformity assessment bodies to advance excellence through internationally recognised accreditation.

As Africa marked Public Service Day 2026 under the theme "Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063," attention was drawn to one of the continent's most pressing development priorities—ensuring access to safe water and sanitation for all.

The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) was honoured to participate in the Africa Public Service Day (APSD) 2026 celebrations, joining other public institutions in demonstrating how quality, innovation, and partnerships can contribute to sustainable development and improved service delivery.

Access to safe water is not only a basic human need but also a key driver of public health, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social development. Yet significant challenges remain across Africa. According to recent global monitoring reports, approximately 845 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to safely managed drinking water services, while more than 900 million people lack access to safely managed sanitation services. These gaps continue to expose communities to waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and socio-economic challenges.

The importance of reliable water quality monitoring is further underscored by recurring public health challenges linked to unsafe water and inadequate sanitation. In 2025, Africa experienced its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, with more than 300,000 reported and suspected cases across the continent, highlighting the critical need for safe water systems and effective monitoring mechanisms.

Where Accreditation Comes In

Achieving universal access to safe water requires more than infrastructure alone. It also requires confidence that water quality measurements, testing results, and monitoring data are accurate, reliable, and technically valid.

This is where accreditation plays a critical role.

KENAS accredits testing and calibration laboratories against internationally recognized standards, providing assurance that they are competent to perform specific activities. Through accreditation, laboratories demonstrate that they have qualified personnel, validated methods, suitable equipment, and robust quality management systems capable of producing reliable results.

Accredited testing laboratories support water quality monitoring by analysing water samples for microbiological, chemical, and physical parameters. These results help regulators, water service providers, industries, environmental agencies, and policymakers make informed decisions regarding water safety, treatment processes, environmental protection, and public health.

Similarly, accredited calibration laboratories ensure that equipment used in water monitoring and testing produces accurate and traceable measurements. Instruments such as pH meters, conductivity meters, flow meters, thermometers, and analytical equipment must provide dependable readings if decisions on water quality are to be trusted.

Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Achieving this goal depends on reliable data and competent institutions that can monitor, assess, and verify water quality and sanitation systems.

Accreditation strengthens this ecosystem by promoting competence, consistency, and continual improvement. It provides confidence in the results used to assess compliance with regulations, evaluate environmental impacts, monitor water resources, and protect public health.

By supporting credible testing and accurate measurements, accreditation contributes to better decision-making and strengthens public trust in the institutions responsible for safeguarding water quality.

KENAS Commitment

As Kenya's national accreditation body, KENAS remains dedicated to strengthening confidence in conformity assessment services, supporting quality infrastructure, and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Through accreditation, KENAS helps ensure that the data and measurements underpinning critical decisions—including those relating to water quality and sanitation—are reliable, trustworthy, and internationally recognized.

Building confidence in water quality ultimately begins with building confidence in the competence of the institutions that measure, test, and verify it.

KENAS Chairman and the CEO recently participated in the National Productivity and Performance Conference 2026 held at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Kabete. The conference brought together leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to deliberate on productivity as a key driver of fiscal sustainability and efficient service delivery.

The discussions underscored the importance of building sustainable institutions anchored on visionary leadership, continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, competitiveness, and a strong performance culture. Participants were challenged to embrace transformative approaches that enhance productivity and create greater value for citizens.

At KENAS, we recognise that our people remain central to delivering credible and internationally recognised accreditation services. In line with the national productivity agenda, the organisation continues to strengthen its institutional capacity through continuous learning, digital transformation, process improvement, and performance enhancement initiatives aimed at delivering greater value to stakeholders.

Through the adoption of emerging technologies, data-driven decision-making, and innovative work processes, KENAS continues to improve operational efficiency, enhance productivity, and align its performance with national public service expectations. These efforts enable the organisation to respond effectively to the evolving needs of industry, government, regulators, and the public.

Our commitment to productivity is further reinforced through stakeholder engagement, leadership accountability, and a culture that encourages innovation, ownership, and measurable results. As the national accreditation body, KENAS remains focused on strengthening Kenya's Quality Infrastructure by building confidence in conformity assessment services and contributing to national development and economic competitiveness.

The national conversation on productivity presents an opportunity for every member of staff to reflect on their contribution towards institutional excellence. By embracing continuous improvement and a results-oriented mindset, we can collectively support the achievement of KENAS' strategic objectives and Kenya's broader development aspirations.

Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) recently engaged the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) to explore opportunities for collaboration in conformity assessment activities that support innovation, industrialization, and enterprise development.

The discussions focused on how conformity assessment can support innovators and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) beyond traditional testing activities. In particular, the two institutions explored the potential development of Kenya-centric conformity assessment schemes that can support KIRDI's incubation programmes and strengthen confidence in innovative products, technologies, and processes developed by local enterprises.

As a leading research and innovation institution, KIRDI plays a key role in supporting entrepreneurs through product development, technology transfer, value addition, and pilot manufacturing. Integrating conformity assessment into these initiatives can help demonstrate quality, competence, compliance, and market readiness, enhancing confidence among consumers, investors, regulators, and potential markets.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the KENAS team to tour KIRDI's pilot manufacturing support centres, including facilities for fish leather processing, food processing and value addition, and solar-powered drying technologies. These innovations contribute to enterprise development, value addition, and industrial growth while showcasing the potential of locally developed solutions.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between institutions within Kenya's quality infrastructure ecosystem in supporting innovation and commercialization. By working together, KENAS and KIRDI can explore practical approaches that help innovators and MSMEs demonstrate the quality and credibility of their products and services.

KENAS remains committed to partnering with research institutions, industry stakeholders, and regulators to develop practical, Kenya-centric quality solutions that support innovation, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to the country's industrialization agenda.

The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), in collaboration with the State Department for Industry, convened a Virtual Stakeholder Validation Forum on the proposed Kenya Accreditation Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Accreditation (General) Regulations, 2026, and the Accreditation (Fees) Regulations, 2026.

The forum brought together representatives from Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), government agencies, industry and professional associations, development partners, assessors, and members of the public to review and validate revisions made following the nationwide public participation exercise conducted earlier this year.

The engagement formed an important milestone in the ongoing review of Kenya's accreditation legal framework, aimed at ensuring that the accreditation system remains responsive to emerging national priorities, international best practices, and the evolving needs of stakeholders.

Speaking during the forum, KENAS Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Walter Ongeti, underscored the strategic role of accreditation in supporting national development. He highlighted accreditation's contribution to trade facilitation, consumer protection, regulatory effectiveness, healthcare quality, and the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Accreditation provides independent assurance of the competence and impartiality of conformity assessment bodies such as testing laboratories, medical laboratories, calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, and proficiency testing providers. Through accreditation, stakeholders gain confidence in the reliability of testing, inspection, calibration, and certification services that support decision-making across various sectors of the economy.

The proposed legislative and regulatory reforms seek to strengthen the accreditation framework by enhancing its effectiveness, responsiveness, and alignment with international standards and best practices. A robust accreditation system contributes to stronger quality infrastructure, facilitates trade, supports regulatory oversight, and promotes confidence in products, services, and systems.

As Kenya continues to strengthen its Quality Infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration remains essential in building an accreditation framework that supports innovation, competitiveness, consumer protection, and sustainable socio-economic development.

Strong quality infrastructure is essential for facilitating trade, protecting consumers, and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses. As counties continue to play an increasingly important role in economic development, partnerships between national and county institutions are critical in creating an enabling environment for enterprise growth and industrialization.

In this regard, the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) engaged Hon. Farida Ahmed Salim, Minister for Trade, Industry, Tourism and Cooperatives, County Government of Kisumu, together with officials from the department, to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing quality infrastructure and supporting enterprise development.

The discussions highlighted the role of accreditation in strengthening confidence in products, services, and processes by ensuring that conformity assessment bodies operate competently and in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Accreditation supports trade facilitation, consumer protection, regulatory compliance, and market access across various sectors of the economy.

A key focus of the engagement was exploring opportunities to bring accreditation services closer to industries and institutions within Kisumu County and the wider Lake Region Economic Bloc. Discussions identified potential areas of collaboration, including strengthening calibration capacity, supporting weights and measures services, enhancing inspection systems, and promoting awareness of accreditation and conformity assessment services among businesses.

The engagement also underscored the importance of quality infrastructure in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which form a significant part of the region's economy. Strengthening quality assurance systems can help enterprises improve product quality, demonstrate compliance with market requirements, and enhance competitiveness in local, regional, and international markets.

For the Lake Region Economic Bloc, improved access to quality infrastructure services presents an opportunity to support value addition, industrial growth, and increased market confidence in locally produced goods and services.

KENAS remains committed to working with county governments and other stakeholders to develop practical quality solutions that support enterprise development, reduce technical barriers to trade, and strengthen Kenya's competitiveness. Through such partnerships, accreditation can continue to contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved market access for businesses across the country.

Fish and fish products pass through multiple stages before reaching consumers—from harvesting and landing to handling, processing, transportation, and marketing. Ensuring quality, safety, and traceability at every stage of this value chain is critical to protecting consumers, supporting sustainable fisheries, and enhancing market access.

It is against this backdrop that the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) engaged the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing conformity assessment activities and developing quality assurance solutions tailored to the needs of Kenya's fisheries sector.

The discussions focused on how conformity assessment can strengthen controls across the fisheries value chain, from fishing activities and landing sites to handling, processing, and distribution. Robust quality assurance mechanisms can help enhance compliance with regulatory requirements, improve traceability, and build confidence in fish and fish products among consumers, regulators, and trading partners.

A key area of discussion was the potential development of Kenya-centric conformity assessment schemes that respond to the unique needs of the fisheries sector. Such schemes could support quality and safety assurance across different stages of the value chain, including fish handling practices, processing operations, cold chain management, traceability systems, and other critical activities that influence product quality and market acceptance.

As Kenya advances its Blue Economy agenda, conformity assessment tools such as accreditation, certification, inspection, and testing have an increasingly important role to play in supporting sustainable fisheries and facilitating trade. Independent assurance of quality and compliance can help strengthen confidence in locally produced fish and fish products while supporting access to regional and international markets.

The engagement also highlighted opportunities to strengthen technical capacity within the sector through laboratory accreditation. Reliable testing is essential in verifying product quality, monitoring food safety requirements, and supporting regulatory oversight. Accreditation of fisheries testing laboratories helps ensure that test results are accurate, reliable, and internationally recognized, thereby enhancing confidence in decisions based on those results.

In addition, the discussions explored how collaboration between KENAS and KeFS could contribute to the development of practical quality solutions that support industry growth while addressing national priorities in food safety, consumer protection, sustainability, and trade competitiveness.

Through partnerships with sector stakeholders, KENAS continues to promote quality infrastructure solutions that support innovation, strengthen confidence in products and services, and contribute to Kenya's socio-economic development. The engagement with KeFS marks an important step towards exploring mechanisms that can enhance quality assurance throughout the fisheries value chain and support the growth of Kenya's Blue Economy.

Investing in the Future Through Digital Learning

As technology continues to reshape the world of work and learning, access to quality digital infrastructure has become increasingly important in preparing learners for the opportunities and challenges of the future. Equipping schools with modern ICT facilities not only enhances teaching and learning but also empowers students with the digital skills required in a rapidly evolving economy.

In line with its commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to national development, Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) participated in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at supporting the construction and equipping of a computer laboratory at St. Peter's High School Ndalu in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County. The initiative was undertaken at the invitation of the State Department for Industry and brought together stakeholders committed to enhancing access to quality education through technology.

Providing Technical Expertise

Beyond its core mandate of accreditation, KENAS leveraged its technical expertise to support the project during its planning and implementation stages.

The KENAS team conducted a site assessment of the proposed laboratory space and engaged the school administration and ICT personnel to understand the institution's needs and expectations. Based on the findings, KENAS developed the proposed computer laboratory design and layout, providing recommendations on equipment placement, network cabling arrangements, workspace organization, and the overall infrastructure requirements necessary for an effective ICT learning environment.

The exercise ensured that the proposed laboratory would not only accommodate current learning needs but also provide a foundation for future growth and technological advancement.

A Collaborative Approach to Community Development

The success of development initiatives often depends on collaboration among institutions, communities, and technical experts. The computer laboratory project is a good example of how partnerships can create meaningful and lasting impact.

KENAS appreciates the collaboration of the school administration, teachers, and stakeholders who contributed to the planning and realization of the project. Such partnerships demonstrate the importance of bringing together expertise, resources, and shared commitment to improve learning outcomes for students.

Official Launch of the Initiative

The initiative was officially unveiled on 13th June 2026 during a ceremony attended by the KENAS CEO, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, and other distinguished guests and stakeholders.

The event marked an important milestone in the school's journey towards strengthening its ICT infrastructure and expanding opportunities for learners to acquire digital competencies.

In addition to the launch activities, participants also took part in a tree planting exercise, underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability as key pillars of community development.

Supporting Education and National Development

Education remains one of the most powerful drivers of socio-economic transformation. By supporting initiatives that enhance learning environments and promote digital literacy, institutions contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.

For KENAS, participation in this initiative reflects the organization's broader commitment to supporting national development beyond accreditation. Through the application of technical expertise, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder collaboration, KENAS continues to contribute to initiatives that create positive impact within communities and support Kenya's development agenda.

As the national accreditation body, KENAS remains committed to fostering confidence, competence, and continual improvement while supporting efforts that enhance education, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

As part of the World Accreditation Day 2026 celebrations, KENAS hosted a Business Clinic Breakfast Meeting aimed at increasing awareness of accreditation and its benefits to businesses and industry.

The engagement brought together business representatives, industry stakeholders, conformity assessment bodies, and quality professionals for discussions on how accreditation supports compliance, market access, competitiveness, and consumer confidence.

The session provided a platform for participants to engage directly with experts and gain practical insights into conformity assessment and accreditation. Discussions explored how businesses can leverage accredited services to improve product quality, meet regulatory requirements, access new markets, and enhance customer confidence.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of accreditation in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which form a significant part of Kenya's economy. By utilizing accredited testing, inspection, calibration, and certification services, businesses can demonstrate compliance with recognized standards and improve their competitiveness in both local and international markets.

The Business Clinic reflected KENAS' commitment to stakeholder engagement and its efforts to bring accreditation closer to industry by creating platforms for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.

As businesses navigate increasingly demanding market and regulatory environments, accreditation continues to serve as a valuable tool for building trust, demonstrating competence, and supporting sustainable growth.

The success and credibility of accreditation depend significantly on the expertise, professionalism, and commitment of assessors. In recognition of this critical contribution, KENAS dedicated part of its World Accreditation Day 2026 programme to celebrating and appreciating assessors who continue to uphold the integrity of the accreditation process.

The celebrations began with a two-day Virtual Assessor Conclave that brought together assessors from various accreditation schemes for knowledge sharing, professional development, and discussions on emerging trends in accreditation and conformity assessment.

The conclave provided an opportunity to strengthen technical competence, promote consistency in assessments, and enhance understanding of evolving accreditation requirements. It also reinforced the importance of professionalism, impartiality, and continual improvement in maintaining confidence in accredited services.

A key highlight of the programme was the recognition of assessors for their invaluable contribution to the accreditation process. Assessors serve as the technical backbone of accreditation, evaluating conformity assessment bodies against internationally recognized standards and helping ensure that accredited organizations continue to demonstrate competence and reliability.

Through their expertise and dedication, assessors contribute to confidence in testing, calibration, inspection, certification, and other conformity assessment activities that support trade, healthcare, consumer protection, environmental management, and industrial development.

The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) joined the global accreditation community in commemorating World Accreditation Day (WAD) 2026, bringing together government leaders, regulators, conformity assessment bodies, industry representatives, development partners, assessors, and other stakeholders to celebrate the value of accreditation in supporting economic growth, public confidence, and sustainable development.

Observed annually on 9th June, World Accreditation Day is a global initiative established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to raise awareness of the role accreditation plays in facilitating trade, supporting regulation, protecting consumers, and enhancing confidence in products, services, systems, and personnel.

The 2026 celebrations provided an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of accreditation to national development priorities and to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders within Kenya's quality infrastructure ecosystem.

Accreditation: Supporting Confidence Across Sectors

Accreditation provides independent assurance that conformity assessment bodies such as testing laboratories, medical laboratories, calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, and proficiency testing providers are competent to perform specific activities in accordance with internationally recognized standards.

Through accreditation, governments, businesses, regulators, and consumers gain confidence in the reliability of testing, inspection, calibration, and certification results that support decision-making across various sectors of the economy.

In Kenya, accreditation continues to play an important role in strengthening healthcare systems, facilitating trade, supporting regulatory effectiveness, enhancing environmental protection, promoting industrial competitiveness, and safeguarding consumer interests.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Infrastructure

A key highlight of the celebrations was the main World Accreditation Day event, whose keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, by Dr. Juma Mukhwana, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry.

The keynote address reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening Kenya's Quality Infrastructure as a critical enabler of industrialization, trade facilitation, investment promotion, and sustainable economic transformation.

The event also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges in conformity assessment and the importance of maintaining confidence in products and services within an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

World Accreditation Day brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, demonstrating the collaborative nature of accreditation and its contribution to national development.

The celebrations underscored the importance of partnerships among government institutions, regulators, industry, conformity assessment bodies, academia, and development partners in advancing quality, competence, and innovation.

As Kenya continues to pursue its development agenda, accreditation remains an important tool for supporting competitiveness, facilitating market access, and ensuring that products and services meet recognized requirements.

Looking Ahead

The World Accreditation Day 2026 celebrations reaffirmed the importance of accreditation in building confidence, supporting innovation, and enabling sustainable development.

Through accreditation, Kenya continues to build confidence in the competence of organizations that provide testing, inspection, calibration, certification, and other conformity assessment services—contributing to a more competitive economy and a better quality of life for all.

Medical laboratories accredited by Kenya Accreditation Service under ISO 15189 have successfully transitioned to the updated ISO 15189:2022 standard. This achievement marks a significant milestone in enhancing the quality, reliability, and patient-centred approach of diagnostic services across Kenya.

The transition followed the roadmap shared in Circular No. 02 of 2023 – Transition Arrangements and Guidance on ISO 15189:2022 for Medical Laboratories, which outlined a three-year period based on guidance from the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). With the transition period now officially concluded, all accredited medical laboratories are required to maintain continuous compliance with the new standard.

What ISO 15189:2022 Means for Accredited Medical Laboratories

The revised standard introduces several key improvements to ensure safer and more reliable laboratory services:

• A stronger focus on clinical risk, emphasising the impact of test results on patient care.
• Integration of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) requirements into the main standard.
• Alignment with the ISO/IEC 17000 series, ensuring global consistency in conformity assessment practices.
• Clearer expectations for quality management and staff competence.

These updates bring accredited laboratories in line with current medical practices and international benchmarks for diagnostic accuracy.

Why Accreditation to ISO 15189:2022 Matters

Being accredited under ISO 15189:2022 benefits Kenya’s healthcare system and patients by:

• Ensuring accuracy and reliability of test results for diagnosis and treatment.
• Enhancing public confidence in accredited laboratories.
• Reducing risks associated with diagnostic errors.
• Supporting research collaboration, insurance partnerships, and cross-border healthcare services.

For patients, this means their samples are handled by laboratories that meet internationally recognised standards.

Celebrating the Achievement

KENAS wishes to acknowledge the dedication of all laboratories that successfully transitioned. Ms. Doris Mueni, Manager of the Medical Laboratories Scheme, expressed:

"We sincerely thank the over 100 accredited medical laboratories that have successfully transitioned to ISO 15189:2022. Your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and competence is a major step forward for Kenya’s healthcare system. This transition strengthens the credibility of medical test results and enhances patient safety nationwide."

Accreditation Now a Legal Requirement

This milestone comes alongside national reforms under the Business Laws Amendment Act (2024), which requires all conformity assessment bodies (CABs)—including testing laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies—to be accredited.

KENAS CEO, Dr. Walter Juma Ongeti, highlights the importance of this development:

"Accreditation is now a statutory requirement for all conformity assessment bodies in Kenya. This protects consumers by ensuring that testing, inspection, and certification services meet trusted and internationally recognised standards. KENAS is ready to guide any medical laboratory on its journey to accreditation, including through our specialised training programmes."

KENAS Continues to Support Quality in Healthcare

KENAS remains committed to providing technical guidance, capacity building, and ISO 15189:2022-focused training to accredited laboratories and those seeking accreditation. Laboratories looking to strengthen their systems or start the accreditation journey are encouraged to engage with KENAS.

Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) joined national efforts to restore the Mau Forest Complex during the official launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme held in Kuresoi, Nakuru County, and presided over by H.E. President Dr. William Ruto.

Represented by KENAS Board Chair, Mr. ngeny Biwott, the institution contributed to the livelihood component of the initiative by donating 9,700 assorted fruit tree seedlings and participating in the tree-planting exercise within the block adopted by Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei.

The Mau Forest Complex, covering over 33,000 hectares, is a critical water catchment that supports millions of livelihoods and underpins national food security. The programme, launched under the rallying call “Linda Mau, Boresha Maisha”, aims to restore degraded areas, enhance water resources, and improve community welfare.

For KENAS, participation in this initiative aligns with our broader mandate of supporting sustainable development and environmental integrity through accreditation. Accredited conformity assessment bodies — including laboratories, inspection, and certification bodies — play a vital role in ensuring that environmental conservation, agricultural productivity, and natural resource management adhere to internationally recognized standards.

By supporting this noble cause, KENAS reaffirms its commitment to Quality, Sustainability, and National Transformation — contributing to the national target of planting 15 billion trees within the next 10 years.

Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in accreditation and strengthen quality infrastructure systems.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the ILAC/IAF Joint Meetings and General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together global accreditation leaders to advance mutual recognition and cooperation in conformity assessment.

KENAS was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Walter Ongeti, while UKAS was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Matt Gantley.

This milestone marks a significant step in reinforcing the long-standing relationship between KENAS and UKAS, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting confidence in accredited services, strengthening quality infrastructure, and supporting sustainable development through international partnerships.

Speaking during the signing, CS Dr. Walter Ongeti highlighted that the collaboration aligns with KENAS’s mission to ensure that Kenya’s accreditation system continues to meet international best practices, thereby enhancing trust, competitiveness, and trade facilitation.