Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS)during World Standards Day reiterates that these standards play a crucial role in various sectors, including food, agriculture, electric appliances, and medicinal products.
They have been carefully curated to protect human health and ensure a safer, healthier planet. Without these standards, the world would be in a state of chaos.
During the event, Zachariah Lukorito emphasized the need to revise standards that are not in use.
“Revision of these standards is essential to ensure proper regulations and improve their efficacy in the future,”
This year’s theme aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which emphasizes the importance of good health and well-being. International standards bodies, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization(ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union(ITU), have incorporated the SDGs into their vision for achieving these goals.
Eddy Njoroge, Advisor to the ISO President, stressed the urgency of enabling access to standardized products and food for everyone in society, not just the privileged few.
“The development of COVID-19 vaccines and the quality control of essential equipment as tangible benefits of global collaboration. International standards are essential in creating a world where well-being is universal,”
Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry, MITI, highlighted the significance of these new standards, stating that they bridge gaps in various sectors and enhance the efficiency of industries.
He praised KEBS for ensuring robust standards in sectors such as healthcare and nutrition.
“Stringent measures, such as safety regulations for medical devices and high benchmarks for products like baby food, contribute to the reduction of disease spread and ensure optimal nutrition for citizens”.
Esther Ngari, Managing Director of KEBS, emphasized the crucial role of these standards in diverse sectors.
She revealed that ten of the newly introduced standards are focused on intelligent transport systems, aligning with SDG 3’s objectives to mitigate road traffic accidents. Ngari stated that the launch demonstrates KEBS’s commitment to progress, safety, quality, and sustainability.
Peter Munyiri, Chairman of the National Standards Council, KEBS, highlighted the important role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to providing them with the highest quality standards.
Munyiri pointed out the potential for stronger collaboration between Kenya and India in healthcare, knowledge exchange, partnership building, and standard harmonization. Standards are seen as the roadmap to tackle global challenges, from climate change to public health crises.
Standards are crucial for trade facilitation and investment attraction in the country. Ahmed Farah, Country Director at TradeMark Africa, reiterated the organization’s continued support for KEBS, highlighting the significant reduction in turnaround time for test results and increased accuracy of calibration testing achieved through their partnership.
Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI), applauded KEBS for its pivotal role in realizing the broader goals of the Kenya Kwanza Government through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
She concluded that through KEBS’s initiatives, Kenyan products are globally competitive, reflecting the nation’s dedication to safety, quality, and innovation. These standards are the backbone of Kenya’s aspirations outlined in Kenya Vision 2030.
