KENAS designs new accreditation schemes to improve service quality across all sectors
By Yobesh Onwong’a (MyGov)
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) is currently designing new accreditation schemes to meet emerging needs, enhance standards and improve quality of services provided across various sectors, KENAS CEO, Dr. Walter Ongeti has said.
Ongeti pointed out that KENAS will promote and facilitate the use of accreditation as a tool in the removal of technical barriers to trade and the protection of health, safety and the environment.
The CEO said the new accreditation schemes will ensure the provision of services that are independent, impartial, transparent, non-discriminatory and achieve and maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality whilst ensuring ethical operations.
Speaking during the 15th African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) General Assembly and Meetings held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Ongeti said the new schemes include good clinical practice, diagnostic imaging, bio-banking and anti-doping laboratories.
“These new schemes are poised to further enhance the standards and quality of services provided across the continent, contributing to public health, research, and sports integrity ensuring Africa's trade and quality infrastructure remains robust and resilient,” he said.
“With 265 accredited clients to date, including over 100 medical laboratories, KENAS now provides accreditation services in over 12 African countries, playing a key role in strengthening the continent's quality infrastructure,” Dr. Ongeti said.
Among the notable highlights from his presentation was the accreditation of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), the first healthcare regulatory body in Africa to be accredited as a persons’ certification body.
“This landmark achievement underscores KENAS's commitment to advancing the quality of healthcare services in Kenya and across the continent,” he said.
Dr. Ongeti added, “Another breakthrough for KENAS is the accreditation of Soleil Solutions Africa, the first validation and verification body in Africa under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) sub-scope. This accreditation supports Africa’s efforts to address environmental concerns, ensuring compliance with global aviation sustainability standards.”
Dr. Ongeti reiterated that participation in AFRAC’s annual meetings is vital for advancing accreditation standards across the continent.
He said KENAS is committed to strengthening quality infrastructure across Africa, driving economic growth, and ensuring the safety and reliability of products and services both domestically and internationally.
“By enhancing mutual recognition of accreditation across African nations, businesses can navigate complex regulatory environments more easily, fostering intra-African trade and promoting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Dr Ongeti said.
The African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) is a body that brings together Accreditation Bodies (ABs) from across Africa to harmonize accreditation practices and standards.
It plays a pivotal role in reducing Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs), ensuring that goods and services meet international quality standards, and facilitating smoother trade within the continent and beyond.