By J, KNA
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.
