Kenya has developed a Quality Policy to guide local enterprises into entrenching sustainable quality improvement practices to enhance their competitiveness in overseas markets.
The Principal Secretary, of the State Department for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, through a statement read on his behalf by the Director of Industries at the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade, Joseph Mbeva, emphasized that the basis for fair trade, high-quality products, and development of new technologies and innovations was traceable and reliable measurements and measurement standards.
He further noted that there was growing demand for accurate and reliable measurements in the modern world not only in the manufacturing sector and domains of national and international trade, but also in the areas of human health and safety, protection of the environment, communications, and in all fields of science and engineering.
The PS cited metrology and standardization as key pillars of the national quality infrastructure which guarantee a high return on investment and assist industries, as well as MSMEs to innovatively improve their processes and guarantee the quality and authenticity of their products, consequently making them compliant with the quality of national and international standards.
He further underscored the important role the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was playing, as a National Metrology Institute (NMI), in providing leadership and direction in the national traceability of measurements to the International System of Units (SI) and offering calibration services for industrial and trade measurements and other local and international calibration laboratories.
The KEBS also plays a leading role in maintaining national, regional, and international linkages with the relevant bodies, coordinating scientific research and special metrology-based projects, and providing technical training to the industry in measurements, both locally and internationally, which is of great significance.
KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari, in a speech read on her behalf by the Director for Quality Assurance and Inspection Dr. Geoffrey Muriira, said that this year’s World Metrology Day theme was “sustainability”, and stated that KEBS was taking a lead role in sustainability, which is one of KEBS core values, with Environmental Protection included as one of the key imperatives driving the organization’s 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan.
She added that the standards agency was leading the way in developing standards that will inform sustainable growth and development in the country, singling out the E-mobility industry as one of the areas where KEBS was assisting in developing standards for the sector.
KEBS has also put in place technical committees aimed at uniting the industry in developing relevant standards that will guide sustainable development and is looking at adopting 290 standards aimed at mitigating climate change which will mark an increase in relevant climate mitigation standards.
Dr. Rotich who also leads the Metrology, Testing, and Research Development at KEBS observed that World Metrology Day had officially become a UNESCO International Day which recognizes the importance of metrology in improving quality of life, enabling international trade, and preserving the environment.
The Director said metrology for sustainability is about promoting responsible resource management and environmental stewardship and called on industries to embrace accurate measurement practices for a more sustainable future.
World Metrology Day, celebrated annually on May 20th, commemorates the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875, a historic treaty that established a global measurement system, the foundation for scientific discovery, industrial advancement, international trade facilitation, and ultimately, a better quality of life while protecting the environment.
