KEBS Chairperson, Dr Chrisantus Wamalwa, says that Kenya is moving towards first world status and the country has to align towards the first world to achieve a new industrialized status.
Dr Wamalwa who spoke in Nakuru said there was need to accredit Kenyan technicians to ensure that they adhere to international standards to guarantee safety, global acceptability and quality.
In that regard, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has initiated a formal Welders Certification Scheme to make them conform to best international practices and therefore, enable them qualify for international jobs.
The standard’s body has indicated that the move seeks to enhance Kenya’s presence on the global scene.
The Chairman emphasized that accreditation of technicians is crucial for public safety citing past incidences where lapses in quality have led to collapsed buildings.
“By initiating accreditation, the standards’ body targets to prevent avoidable tragedies caused by poor workmanship and elevate the quality of services and infrastructure nationwide, aligning local practices with international standards,” he stated.
He noted that accreditation not only enhances public confidence in the quality of services offered but also serves as a model for other institutions across the country.
The certification is based on international benchmarks, including ISO 9606-1 (Qualification testing of welders) and ISO 3834 (Quality requirements for fusion welding). Certificates are valid for three years and are renewable.
It targets welders in sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, marine, building and construction, and the informal sector.
Dr Wamalwa emphasized that the move was aimed at enhancing local skill sets and enable youths to work as migrant workers globally adding that it provides a path for local welders to gain internationally recognized credentials.
“Accreditation by KEBS will reduce instances of poor-quality welds that lead to structural failures or accidents. It will further open opportunities for professional development and high-level industrial projects,” the chairman pointed out.
KEBS Managing Director, Ms Veska Kangogo, observed that accreditation of Kenyan technicians is crucial for ensuring the technical competence, reliability, and integrity of services, aligning skills with international standards to boost global competitiveness, safety, and employability.
Ms Kangongo reaffirmed KEBS unwavering commitment to harnessing accreditation as a catalyst for positive transformation and advancement.
She said the standard’s body had adopted best accreditation systems aligned with international best practices to enhance product quality, consumer protection and economic competitiveness.
The Managing Director said accreditation serves as an enabler in various economic sectors, noting that it stands as a cornerstone of trust and reliability, ensuring that products, services and systems meet stringent standards of quality, health and safety.
The official said that KEBS recognizes the indispensable role of accreditation in fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and promoting sustainable development.
While acknowledging the role accreditation assumes in the rapidly evolving landscape, characterized by digitalization, technological advancements and industrialization, the Managing Director observed that accreditation serves as a catalyst for embracing emerging technologies, facilitating their seamless integration into the industries and daily lives.
According to Ms Kangongo, accreditation contributes to the sustainability of goals by promoting environmentally friendly practices and supporting initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources.
“As we look to the future, it is incumbent upon us to harness the full potential of accreditation to address the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” she elaborated.
Through collaboration and partnership between government, industry stakeholders, and accreditation bodies, the country can build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Kenyans, she added.
She pointed out that the rapid pace of technological advancements brings about new challenges related to security, privacy, and ethical considerations; hence, the need for robust accreditation frameworks.
Ms Kangongo noted that aligning accreditation systems with internationally recognized standards would not only improve the credibility of Kenyan products and services but also boost consumer confidence and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
By aligning the accreditation systems with international standards, the Managing Director said that the country would be safeguarding consumers and ensuring the economy remained competitive both regionally and globally.
She noted that accreditation lies at the heart of the country’s transformation journey, building trust, boosting exports and ensuring consumer safety. These, he added, are all crucial for driving industrial growth and global competitiveness for Kenyan-made products.
The official pointed out that Kenya must move beyond policy declarations and actively embed accreditation practices into all sectors if it hopes to join the ranks of developed nations.
Accreditation involves the formal recognition that institutions or laboratories meet global standards of competence. It is the foundation that ensures products, systems and professionals meet international benchmarks, a critical element for expanding access to export markets and attracting foreign investment.
She emphasized that accreditation works behind the scenes to strengthen quality infrastructure and improve systems across sectors.
She said while its impact is often invisible, it shapes the performance and reliability of industries that drive national economies.
By Jane Ngugi and Dennis Rasto
