KENAS Strengthens Quality Assurance Capacity in Kenya's Petroleum Sector
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) has strengthened quality assurance capacity in Kenya's petroleum sector through a three-day Internal Quality Audit Refresher Course for staff of Kenya Pipeline Company PLC (KPC PLC), held from 28 to 30 October 2026.
The training equipped participants with practical skills in evaluating laboratory processes, identifying gaps, conducting effective internal audits and implementing improvements that enhance the reliability of laboratory operations.
Accreditation Critical to the Growth of the Oil and Gas Industry
Speaking during the opening of the course, KENAS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Walter Ongeti emphasised the growing importance of accreditation and conformity assessment in supporting the expansion and development of Kenya's oil and gas industry.
He underscored the role of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, in demonstrating technical competence and strengthening confidence in petroleum testing results.
Dr. Ongeti noted that as the petroleum industry expands, conformity assessment services play an increasingly important role in supporting compliance with applicable standards, quality assurance, safety and operational reliability.
He also recognised the strategic contribution of KPC PLC to Kenya's petroleum infrastructure and economic development, highlighting the importance of ensuring that infrastructure growth is accompanied by robust quality assurance systems and adherence to applicable standards.
The CEO commended KPC PLC management and staff for their commitment to strengthening technical competence and fostering a culture of quality, noting that such investments contribute to reliable services and support opportunities for national economic growth.
Strengthening Laboratory Competence Through Internal Audits
The course was facilitated by Mr. Wycliff Ochieng, Senior Accreditation Officer – Certification, and Ms. Joyce Gichuru, Deputy Director, Accreditation – Research, Scheme Development and Training.
Internal quality audits are essential in maintaining effective laboratory management systems. They enable laboratories to assess conformity with established requirements, identify weaknesses and implement corrective actions that promote continual improvement.
For the petroleum sector, these competencies are particularly important in supporting reliable testing, informed operational decisions and confidence in the quality of petroleum products.
Supporting Industry Growth Through Accreditation
The training reflects the continued collaboration between KENAS and KPC PLC in strengthening quality assurance and technical competence within Kenya's petroleum industry.
As Kenya advances its industrialisation and infrastructure development agenda, accreditation and conformity assessment provide an important foundation for confidence in products, services and technical processes.
Through capacity building, technical collaboration and the promotion of internationally recognised accreditation standards, KENAS remains committed to supporting a competent, competitive and sustainable petroleum sector.
