Kenya’s ambition to expand trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is set to gain new momentum with the upcoming International Accreditation Conference (IAC 2025), the first of its kind in the country.
Organized by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), the conference will take place from November 11 to 14 in Mombasa County. It aims to promote trust in locally made goods and services while advancing Kenya’s position as a regional hub for quality standards and accreditation.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, KENAS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Walter Ongeti said accreditation plays a pivotal role in breaking down trade barriers and facilitating smoother movement of goods, services, and professionals across borders.
“Accreditation ensures that what we produce meets international standards, allowing our products and professionals to be accepted globally,” said Dr. Ongeti.
He noted that Kenya’s participation in international accreditation bodies such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), and the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) guarantees global recognition of certificates issued by accredited Kenyan entities.
“Certificates issued by accredited Kenyan laboratories or inspection bodies are recognized in over 170 countries,” he explained. “That eliminates duplication of testing and speeds up trade transactions across borders.”
Driving the Made-in-Kenya and AfCFTA Agenda
Dr. Ongeti emphasized that accreditation not only boosts trade but also strengthens public confidence in the Made in Kenya brand.
By ensuring that goods and services meet global standards, he said, Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from AfCFTA’s promise of a single continental market.
“Acceptance of our goods and professionals within the AfCFTA framework becomes easier because accreditation assures quality,” he said. “Our products can access new markets while inspiring local consumers to trust in Kenyan-made goods.”
He added that the government’s Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative and Made in Africa campaign will thrive through stronger quality infrastructure supported by accreditation.
Innovation and Global Collaboration
The IAC 2025 conference will bring together experts from government, academia, the private sector, and international organizations to discuss how technology, innovation, and conformity assessment can drive economic competitiveness.
Felista Nyakoe, Chairperson of the IAC 2025 Organizing Committee, said Kenya is ready to host the landmark event and showcase how accreditation integrates with innovation and industry.
“Kenya is a tech-driven country, and this forum will explore how technology can strengthen conformity assessment and quality assurance,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the value of competence and credibility in international trade.”
The conference has attracted participants from countries including the United States, Germany, Bahrain, Mauritius, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Botswana, reflecting Kenya’s growing stature as a regional leader in quality management.
Strengthening Confidence in Local Products
Dr. Ongeti concluded by urging Kenyans to take pride in consuming and promoting local products that meet global standards.
“Accreditation helps confirm that our goods meet international quality requirements. We must trust in what we make here, not only because it’s export-ready, but because we deserve quality as consumers,” he said.
The IAC 2025 marks a defining moment for Kenya as it champions accreditation, innovation, and regional integration—the key ingredients to unlocking Africa’s trade potential under AfCFTA.
