Kenya’s efforts to expand regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are set for a major boost as the country prepares to host the first-ever International Accreditation Conference (IAC 2025).
The event, organized by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), will take place from November 11 to 14 in Mombasa County. It is expected to enhance confidence in Kenya’s goods and services, strengthen cross-border trade, and position the country as a key regional player in quality assurance and standards.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Nairobi, KENAS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Walter Ongeti emphasized that accreditation remains a key enabler of trade facilitation.
“Accreditation is critical because it enhances trust in trade. The underlying principle is that accredited products and services are accepted globally,” said Dr. Ongeti.
He noted that Kenya’s membership in major international accreditation bodies — including the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), and the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) — ensures global recognition of certificates issued by accredited Kenyan entities.
“When accredited institutions in Kenya issue a certificate, whether for testing or inspection, that document is recognized in over 170 countries. This reduces trade barriers and facilitates the smoother movement of goods and services,” he explained.
Accreditation as a Trade Enabler
Dr. Ongeti said accreditation plays a critical role in supporting Kenya’s Buy Kenya, Build Kenya and Made in Africa initiatives by improving trust in local products.
He added that acceptance of Kenyan professionals and products across the continent would become easier under the AfCFTA framework, as accredited goods and services already meet international standards.
“Accreditation builds confidence in what we produce. It not only strengthens exports but also ensures Kenyans consume quality products that meet global standards,” said Dr. Ongeti.
He underscored that Kenya’s quality infrastructure, anchored in strong standards and accreditation systems, will help local manufacturers compete globally and enhance consumer protection domestically.
IAC 2025: A Platform for Innovation and Growth
The International Accreditation Conference 2025 will bring together global experts from government, academia, the private sector, and international organizations to discuss technology, innovation, and conformity assessment.
According to Felista Nyakoe, Chairperson of the IAC 2025 Organizing Committee, the event will highlight how accreditation can merge with other sectors of the economy to solve real challenges and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness on the global stage.
“We are a tech-driven country, and this conference will explore how innovation and conformity assessment can work together to build trust and drive industrial growth,” said Nyakoe.
She noted that the event has attracted participants from across the world, including the United States, Germany, Bahrain, Mauritius, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Botswana.
“This is Kenya’s first International Accreditation Conference, and we are proud to host delegates from around the world. It marks a new chapter in advancing Africa’s integration through quality and trust,” she said.
Driving the Made-in-Kenya Vision
The conference comes at a time when Kenya is scaling up efforts to boost local manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and enhance intra-African trade.
Through accreditation and standards harmonization, KENAS aims to strengthen the Made in Kenya brand by assuring consumers and trading partners that locally produced goods meet international benchmarks.
Dr. Ongeti concluded by urging Kenyans to believe in local products:
“It’s time we trust in what we make here. Accreditation helps confirm that Kenyan goods meet international standards — not just for export, but because we deserve to consume quality ourselves.”
