In summarry
- KEBS, as Kenya’s standards authority, spearheads standardization efforts, ensuring safety and reliability across industries.
- Through certification schemes, metrology services, and quality assurance measures safeguards consumer interests and fosters market access.
- By adhering to international standards and promoting trade facilitation, KEBS contributes significantly to Kenya’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards held a media workshop on 18th April at Jacaranda Hotel with the aim of providing insights into the latest developments and initiatives undertaken by KEBS in ensuring product quality,safety and standard compliance in KENYA.
The workshop featured presentations by KEBS officials and subject matter experts.
Kenya Bureau of Standards
The event started by getting to know what KEBS is and all it deals with.Mrs Verah Akomo highlighted that KEBS mandates to promote standardization, testing, and control of marks.
Benefits include ensuring product safety, facilitating market access, and providing reference points for regulators.
KEBS offers services such as standards development across various sectors including agriculture, food, textiles, chemicals, and mechanical industries.
It serves as a secretariat for committees developing standards to meet consumer needs and optimize industry processes, fostering innovation and market transparency, thus enhancing Kenya’s products in local and international markets.
She highlighted its vission ,’A global leader in standards based solutions fror trade and sustainable development.’
The mission is to provide standardization Metrology and conformity assessment services that safeguard customers and facilitated trade for a sustainable future.
Standards Development
Zacheus Mwatha and Joan Makhanu went through the standard development and trade in KEBS.
They pointed out that the Standards Development and Trade Department offers various services to actively promote standardization.
These services include the development of national standards, participation in international standardization activities, and harmonization of regional standards.
KEBS assists companies, associations, and government departments in developing standards and provides trade-related information on technical barriers to trade.
Standards cover fields such as metrology, food, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and ICT.
The benefits of standards are numerous, including assuring consumers of product safety and quality, facilitating innovation and market access, and driving efficiency in business operations.
Stakeholder involvement in developing standards is crucial, with participation from manufacturers, government bodies, universities, and trade associations.
Additionally, KEBS plays an active role in international standardization bodies such as ISO, IEC, and the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
They also gave the stages of standardization development and also how to purchase the standard online on their page ,kebs.org.
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Market Surveillance
Peter Namutala talked about enhancing product quality assurance and inspection through its certification scheme, aligned with the Standards Act, Cap. 496.
This initiative grants permits for using quality certification marks, ensuring the health, safety, and environmental protection of Kenyans during trade.
The scheme aims to provide tangible evidence of quality to consumers and regulators, thus fostering trade and market access for Kenyan products.
By adhering to rigorous standards, KEBS aims to bolster consumer confidence, streamline regulatory processes, and promote the competitiveness of Kenyan goods in domestic and international markets.
This proactive approach underscores KEBS’ commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable economic growth through quality assurance measures.
Metrology
KEBS leads in metrology, ensuring precise measurements for diverse sectors like healthcare and manufacturing.
\As custodian of National Measurement Standards, KEBS offers calibration services, accrediting labs with DAkkS.
Its Quality Management System, endorsed by AFRIMETS, ensures accuracy.
Examples of calibrated equipment include scales, incubators, and X-ray machines.
KEBS provides tailored solutions, training, and consultancy. Kenya, a full BIPM member, prioritizes safety and accuracy. Don’t compromise—calibrate your equipment for guaranteed precision and safety.
Quality assurance and Inspection
KEBS implements a product certification scheme under the Standards Act, Cap. 496, awarding permits for quality certification marks.
This initiative safeguards Kenyans’ health and the environment in goods and services exchange.
The scheme aims to provide quality evidence to consumers and regulators, enhancing trade and market access for Kenyan products.
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Conclusion
In general, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) plays an important role in promoting standardization, ensuring quality assurance, and facilitating trade in Kenya.
Through its various mandates and services, including standards development, metrology, quality assurance, and inspection, KEBS upholds the highest standards of safety, reliability, and quality across diverse sectors.
By providing accurate measurements, certification schemes, and calibration services, KEBS contributes to consumer confidence, market access, and the overall economic growth of Kenya.
As a member of international standardization bodies, KEBS remains committed to advancing global best practices and ensuring the competitiveness of Kenyan products in both domestic and international markets.
