KENAS and KIRDI Explore Kenya-Centric Quality Solutions for Innovation and MSME Growth
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.
