Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) has stepped up a nationwide public participation push for proposed legal reforms to bolster the credibility of Kenyan goods and services in local and international markets.

KENAS Chief Executive Officer Walter Ongeti said the review covers three key instruments, the Draft Kenya Accreditation Service (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Kenya Accreditation Service (General) Regulations, 2025, and the Kenya Accreditation Service (fees) Regulations 2025, all designed to align Kenya’s accreditation framework with global best practice.

Dr Ongeti said the reforms are critical to ensuring that products and services originating from Kenya meet internationally accepted standards to enhance export competitiveness and lower the cost of doing business.

“When laboratories test products, when inspection bodies examine goods or when certification bodies approve systems and processes, there must be confidence that their work meets global requirements. Accreditation provides that assurance for goods and services consumed locally and those destined for export markets,” he said.

He noted that a strong accreditation system would ensure that test results, inspection reports and certificates issued in Kenya are recognised across borders, reducing the need for repeated testing abroad, a major cost burden for manufacturers and service providers

Speaking during a regional stakeholders’ forum in Kisumu that brought together participants from Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga and Busia counties, Dr Ongeti underscored the role of county governments in the accreditation ecosystem, saying many facilities under KENAS’ mandate fall within devolved functions

“County referral hospital laboratories are among the facilities we accredit. Inspection units operating at county level also fall within our framework. When we strengthen accreditation at that level, we are directly supporting the quality of healthcare and other essential public services delivered by counties,” he said.

He added that KENAS was working closely with counties to support the national industrialisation agenda, particularly through county aggregation and industrial parks under the One County, One Product initiative.

“As counties set up aggregation centres and industrial parks, accreditation becomes key in ensuring that what is produced there meets required standards. Industrialisation begins at the county level. Counties must be able to produce goods that are acceptable within their own markets, across the country and in export destinations,” he said.

According to Ongeti, the Kisumu forum was among the final physical meetings in a public participation exercise that has been running across the country since mid-January. Written submissions will be accepted until February 6, after which KENAS will consolidate stakeholder views.

A virtual validation forum will then be held before the final proposals are submitted to parliament through the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry to begin the legislative process.

Draft documents he said, have been made available online, with feedback channels including email, social media platforms, regional industrialisation officers and the parent ministry.

Ongeti urged Kenyans to submit their views, saying the goal is to develop a legal framework that is practical, inclusive and widely owned.

In a keynote speech delivered on behalf of Trade and Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana by Patrick Wahome, a director in the department of industry, the government said the reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen Kenya’s national quality infrastructure and enhance trade competitiveness.

A credible and internationally aligned accreditation system, the principal secretary said, was essential in reducing technical barriers to trade and supporting Kenya’s participation in regional and continental markets including the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area

Aligning Kenya’s accreditation framework with international standards and mutual recognition arrangements, he said, would help ensure that test results, inspection reports and certifications issued locally are accepted across borders, lowering trade costs and improving market access for Kenyan enterprises.

The proposed law and regulations, he added, are also intended to make accreditation processes clearer and more predictable, enhance trust among regulators and traders and establish a transparent and sustainable fees structure to support effective service delivery.

Stakeholders were urged to scrutinize the draft provisions and submit evidence-based proposals to help shape a modern accreditation system capable of supporting innovation, quality improvement and expanded trade opportunities for Kenya.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Chris Mahandara