The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) is a vital state corporation responsible for ensuring the competence of conformity assessment bodies across various sectors in Kenya. Re-established under the Kenya Accreditation Service Act 2019, KENAS operates under the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Enterprise Development. Its primary goal is to bolster the credibility and trustworthiness of Kenyan products and services, both locally and internationally, by strengthening adherence to standards and the technical infrastructure supporting conformity assessment. This accreditation helps ensure that Kenyan goods and services meet globally recognized benchmarks, facilitating international trade and consumer confidence.
Below are the key functions of KENAS:
1. Assess and Accredit Conformity Assessment Bodies
One of KENAS’ core responsibilities is to assess and accredit bodies such as laboratories, inspection, and certification bodies. These entities ensure that products, services, and systems conform to specific standards, be it in health, safety, or quality. KENAS evaluates these bodies to guarantee their competency and reliability in delivering high-quality conformity assessments.
2. Promote Accreditation in Kenya
KENAS plays a significant role in promoting accreditation in the country. It encourages industries, businesses, and government bodies to seek accredited services, highlighting the importance of certification in global competitiveness and consumer trust. Accreditation raises the standards of Kenyan products, positioning them well in the global marketplace.
3. Promote Mutual Recognition of Accredited Bodies
To facilitate international trade, KENAS promotes the mutual recognition of the competence of accredited bodies, ensuring that certifications issued in Kenya are recognized and trusted globally. This function is critical in reducing trade barriers and enhancing the global acceptance of Kenyan products.
4. Establish and Nurture Relations with International Accreditation Bodies
KENAS actively establishes and nurtures cooperation with regional and international accreditation bodies. Through such partnerships, Kenya’s accreditation schemes can align with global standards, and Kenyan businesses can benefit from international best practices in conformity assessment.
5. Participate in Formulating National and International Standards
KENAS contributes to the development and monitoring of national, regional, and international accreditation guidelines and standards. By doing so, the organization ensures that the country’s accreditation processes remain aligned with global practices and continue to meet the needs of industry and consumers.
6. Raise Public Awareness on Accreditation
An essential part of KENAS’ mission is creating public awareness about the importance of accreditation. Through advocacy programs, publications, and reports, KENAS educates businesses, regulators, and the general public on the benefits of accreditation, driving demand for certified services.
7. Provide Training and Promote Research
KENAS offers training services on accreditation and conformity assessment matters, helping businesses and conformity assessment bodies improve their processes. The organization also promotes research in these areas to stay ahead of evolving global standards and practices.
8. Negotiate and Maintain International Mutual Recognition Agreements
KENAS negotiates and maintains mutual recognition agreements with international accreditation bodies. These agreements ensure that Kenyan products and services are recognized globally, enhancing Kenya’s participation in international trade and reducing barriers to entry in foreign markets.
9. Support the Government in Mutual Recognition Agreements
In line with its objective to boost trade and market access, KENAS supports the Kenyan government in matters related to mutual recognition agreements. These agreements are crucial for fostering international confidence in Kenya’s conformity assessment bodies.
10. Liaise with Regulators
KENAS coordinates with regulators to ensure that accredited bodies operate in line with national laws and regulations. This collaboration ensures that accredited services meet legal and safety requirements, safeguarding the interests of the public and industries.
11. Maintain Membership in Relevant National and International Bodies
KENAS maintains memberships in various national, regional, and international accreditation organizations. This participation ensures that Kenya remains connected to global accreditation systems, benefiting from shared knowledge, innovation, and best practices.
12. Promote and Protect the KENAS Logo and Symbols
The KENAS logo and symbols are significant marks of quality and credibility. KENAS works to promote and protect these symbols, ensuring that they are used exclusively by accredited bodies, reinforcing trust in the accredited products and services.
13. Protect Regional and International Mutual Recognition Symbols
KENAS safeguards regional and international mutual recognition symbols to protect the integrity of the accreditation process. This function ensures that the accredited bodies maintain high standards that are recognized globally, thus building trust in their services.
14. Establish and Maintain Accreditation Schemes
KENAS establishes, reviews, and maintains accreditation schemes that align with international practices and facilitate trade. These schemes are tailored to meet the needs of industries, consumers, regulators, and other relevant stakeholders in Kenya.
15. Formulate National Guidelines and Standards
KENAS formulates and implements national guidelines and standards to facilitate the accreditation process. These standards ensure uniformity, consistency, and credibility in the way products and services are evaluated and certified in Kenya.
16. Advise the Government on Conformity Assessment Bodies
KENAS advises the government on the designation of conformity assessment bodies. This ensures that only competent bodies are given the authority to certify products, services, or processes, maintaining a high level of quality control across sectors.
17. Ensure Accredited Bodies Implement Conformity Assessment Activities
KENAS ensures that accredited bodies follow through with their conformity assessment activities appropriately, adhering to set standards and procedures. This function guarantees the ongoing credibility of accredited entities.
18. Maintain a Register of Accredited Bodies
KENAS is responsible for maintaining a register of accredited bodies. This register allows stakeholders to verify the accreditation status of conformity assessment bodies, providing transparency and building trust in accredited services.
19. Design and Issue Accreditation Certificates
KENAS designs and issues accreditation certificates and symbols to accredited bodies. These certificates serve as proof of competence and are a mark of quality assurance that businesses and consumers can trust.
20. Publish a List of Accredited Bodies
KENAS publishes a quarterly list of all accredited bodies in the Kenya Gazette and on its website. This transparency helps businesses and consumers access up-to-date information on which organizations have met the required accreditation standards.
21. Promote the Use of Accreditation Symbols
KENAS promotes the use of its accreditation symbols on certificates and reports issued by conformity assessment bodies. This helps to build consumer confidence, as the symbols indicate that the service or product meets the necessary quality standards.
Kenya Accreditation Service Contacts
Location: No 06 Masaba Road, Upperhill, Nairobi
Contacts: 0725 207 640 / 0787 395 679
KENAS plays a critical role in ensuring that Kenyan products, services, and conformity assessment bodies meet both local and international standards. Through its wide-ranging functions, KENAS fosters a robust accreditation framework that supports trade, consumer protection, and economic growth. As Kenyan businesses continue to expand into global markets, KENAS ensures that they have the necessary certification and credibility to compete on the international stage.
