The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) has intensified its nationwide push for legal reforms aimed at bolstering the country’s national quality infrastructure and industrial competitiveness.
In a public participation forum held today at the Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI) in Nakuru, stakeholders gathered to deliberate on three critical draft instruments: the Kenya Accreditation Service (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Kenya Accreditation Service (General) Regulations, 2025, and the Kenya Accreditation Service (Fees) Regulations, 2025.
The proposed amendments seek to modernize Kenya’s accreditation ecosystem by aligning it with international best practices.
The 2025 Bill focuses on replacing the definition of “accreditation” with internationally accepted standards that emphasize competence, impartiality, and consistent performance.
Furthermore, it empowers KENAS to issue notices of non-compliance, impose administrative sanctions, and conduct inspections to safeguard the integrity of local services.
A significant shift in the law will also require all conformity assessment bodies—such as those involved in testing and certification—to register with KENAS before operating, a move designed to prevent unregistered entities from issuing misleading reports.
Speaking on behalf of the State Department for Industry, Industrialisation Secretary Professor Erastus Gatebe emphasized that these reforms are vital for Kenya’s industrialization journey and economic growth.
He noted that a robust accreditation system positions Kenya as a trusted regional hub and supports the expansion of trade opportunities.
The forum, led by KENAS Chief Manager for Certification and Inspections Mr. Michael Talam, drew representatives from government agencies, industry players, and the general public across Nakuru, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Baringo counties.
Mr. Wycliff Opiyo, representing the Deputy County Commissioner, warned of the serious risks posed by unverified products and unqualified inspectors.
He stated that accreditation plays a key role in safeguarding communities by ensuring that inspections and certifications are carried out by competent bodies, and he urged stakeholders to provide constructive feedback to shape the final framework.
The Nakuru session is part of a larger series of county-based forums scheduled through February 2026 in major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
The government has invited members of the public to submit their written memoranda on the draft instruments by February 6, 2026.
These views will be instrumental in refining the laws before they are tabled in Parliament to officially repeal obsolete sections of the current Act.
ALSO READ: Raila Odinga International Sports Complex nears completion ahead of 2027 AFCON
