Eldoret: Residents from the Northrift Counties of Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet have been informed about the draft Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, along with the Kenya Accreditation Service (General) Regulations, 2025, and the Kenya Accreditation Service (Fees) Regulations, 2025. The public participation forum, held at the County Hall in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, included representatives from national and county governments, training institutions, conformity assessment bodies, industry players, and the public.
According to Kenya News Agency, in a speech delivered by Secretary Administration Karanja Njora, the State Department for Industry PS Dr. Juma Mukhwana emphasized the importance of public input to enhance these legal documents, which are crucial for Kenya's industrial growth, trade integration, economic competitiveness, and consumer protection. The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, through the State Department for Industry, has developed these drafts as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen Kenya's national quality infrastructure and align the accreditation framework with international standards.
PS Mukhwana highlighted that a solid accreditation system underpins trade by reducing technical barriers, fostering regulatory cooperation, and facilitating the acceptance of Kenyan products and services across borders. These reforms are designed to support Kenya's involvement in the East African Community (EAC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and other trading arrangements. By aligning the accreditation system with international standards, the framework aims to ensure the acceptance of test results, inspection reports, and certifications issued in Kenya, thus reducing business costs and enhancing access to regional and continental markets.
He also stressed the necessity of a credible and transparent accreditation system to unlock trade opportunities and enable Kenyan enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises, to compete effectively in various markets. The reforms align with national development frameworks, including the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
KENAS Board Chairperson Ngeny Biwott explained that the public participation forum is part of a nationwide review process to gather feedback on these important draft legal instruments, which have been developed to modernize and strengthen the accreditation framework. Accreditation is vital for ensuring quality, reliability, and trust in conformity assessment services, impacting areas such as testing laboratories and certification bodies.
He underscored the role of public input in crafting inclusive, practical, and responsive legal instruments. Stakeholders were encouraged to submit written feedback via email by February 6. KENAS CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti acknowledged the partnership of various stakeholders in the public participation program to ensure a comprehensive and meaningful engagement process.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, representing Governor Jonathan Chelilim, welcomed the forum, underscoring the importance of the accreditation process, especially given the county's reliance on agriculture. He noted the county's strategic positioning through Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks, and affirmed their commitment to seeking KENAS support for compliance with international standards in upcoming projects.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner, Dr. Eddyson Nyale, praised KENAS for raising awareness among residents about its role, enabling them to seek conformity assessment and standards compliance services for public safety and environmental conservation.
Stakeholders, led by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Uasin Gishu Chapter, welcomed the new regulations, highlighting their potential to promote fairness and discipline in the business environment. Medical laboratory expert Philip Chebii called for a review of assessment fees, advocating for varied charges based on the level of laboratory facilities to encourage accreditation.