Kenya is set to host a historic global event this month as the country prepares for the first-ever International Accreditation Conference (IAC 2025), a gathering expected to shape future conversations on quality assurance, trade facilitation, and competitiveness.
The high-profile conference, scheduled for November 11th to 14th in Mombasa County, will bring together accreditation experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and regulators from around the world.
Speaking during a pre-event media briefing in Nairobi, Kenya, Accreditation Service (KENAS) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Walter Ongeti said the conference will play a central role in strengthening confidence in Kenyan products and services in the global market.
Dr. Ongeti emphasized that accreditation remains a powerful enabler of international trade by ensuring goods, services, and professionals certified in one country are accepted across borders.
“Accreditation is critical because there’s the element of trade facilitation, and the underlying principle is that accredited ones are accepted globally,” said Dr. Ongeti.
He highlighted Kenya’s strong standing in the global quality ecosystem, noting that the country is a signatory to major international and regional accreditation bodies such as the International Accreditation Forum, the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, and the African Accreditation Cooperation.
According to him, this position guarantees worldwide recognition of certificates issued by accredited Kenyan institutions.
“When our accredited entities issue a certificate, whether it’s an inspection or a testing certificate, that document is accepted across over 170 countries that are part of these mutual recognition arrangements. That means barriers at borders are reduced, easing the movement of goods and services,” he explained.
Beyond boosting trade, Dr. Ongeti noted that accreditation enhances trust in Made in Kenya products, especially as African countries harmonize standards under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Acceptance of our professionals across the continent and beyond becomes easier within the AfCFTA framework. Our goods can now be accepted in other markets with ease because they meet international requirements verified by accredited entities.”
The upcoming conference comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying its push to promote local manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports through initiatives such as Buy Kenya, Build Kenya and the broader Made in Africa movement.
“The government is very deliberate in pushing the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya and Made in Africa initiatives. Through the quality infrastructure, which includes standards and accreditation, we can drive these initiatives to ensure what we produce locally meets and even exceeds global standards,” said Dr. Ongeti.
The IAC 2025 is expected to reinforce Kenya’s role as a regional leader in quality assurance, bolster investor confidence, and support the continent’s efforts toward integrated and competitive markets.
