Kenya is strengthening its accreditation framework to match international best practices as part of efforts to support national development, Industrialisation Secretary Prof. Erastus Gatebe has said. Speaking in Nakuru during a public participation forum on the Kenya Accreditation Service (Amendment) Bill 2025, Prof. Gatebe emphasized that accreditation plays a critical role in building trust by ensuring products and services meet high standards of quality, health, and safety across all sectors of the economy.
He said the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry is backing a review of the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) Act of 2019 to enhance the institution’s capacity and ensure it responds effectively to emerging technological, economic, and societal changes. Prof. Gatebe noted that accreditation also supports sustainable development by encouraging environmentally responsible practices and initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources.
The proposed amendment bill is currently undergoing public participation together with two draft regulations. These include the Accreditation (General) Regulations 2025, which set out procedures for accreditation, exemptions, and the use of accreditation marks, and the Accreditation (Fees) Regulations 2025, which propose a revision of accreditation fees that have remained unchanged for 17 years.
According to Prof. Gatebe, the proposed fee review is intended to reflect current economic conditions while ensuring the long-term sustainability of accreditation services in the country. He added that the ministry is working closely with KENAS and other stakeholders in developing the Kenya Quality Policy, which aims to strengthen the national quality infrastructure.
“As we look to the future, it is incumbent upon us to harness the full potential of accreditation to address the complex challenges and opportunities ahead,” Prof. Gatebe said. He further noted that stronger collaboration between government, industry players, and accreditation bodies would help build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous economy for all Kenyans.
