The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has called on Kenyan manufacturers to make quality a continuous part of their operations. This is aimed at strengthening the country's competitiveness in regional and global markets. According to KEBS managing director Esther Ngari, recognition of organisations for their quality achievements should not mark the end of their journey, but rather provide a foundation for further improvement.
Ngari emphasized that quality extends beyond individual organisations and has a direct bearing on the strength and credibility of the wider economy. She noted that the standards maintained by businesses contribute to the quality of the economy and the confidence with which Kenya engages the region and the world. Ngari urged organisations to integrate quality into their daily operations rather than treating it as a requirement only when undergoing assessment.
Deputy head of public service Amos Njoroge Gathecha highlighted the importance of Kenya's quality infrastructure in supporting manufacturing, trade, and economic integration. He said KEBS must continue working with industry to ensure that standards and conformity assessment services respond to the needs of businesses while safeguarding consumers. Gathecha added that compliance should also help Kenyan businesses compete fairly in domestic and international markets.
Gathecha pointed to the East African Community as an important market for Kenyan enterprises and noted that businesses must prepare for increased competition as regional markets become more integrated. He also highlighted opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying Kenyan firms seeking access to wider African and global markets must pay greater attention to quality, safety, consistency, and reliability.
The Kenya Quality Awards, which recognise organisations that demonstrate excellence in quality management and compliance, provide a platform for industry players to assess their practices against standards required in increasingly competitive markets. The event aims to encourage businesses to adopt a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
Ngari's sentiments were echoed by Gathecha, who emphasized the need for Kenyan businesses to build enterprises that are not only capable of producing more but also capable of producing better and consistently meeting the requirements of the markets they seek to serve. This, he said, will enable them to compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.
The call to prioritize quality comes as Kenya seeks to strengthen its position in regional and global markets. By making quality a daily business priority, Kenyan manufacturers can improve their competitiveness, increase customer confidence, and ultimately contribute to the growth and development of the economy.
Key points
- KEBS urges manufacturers to integrate quality into daily operations
- Quality infrastructure crucial for supporting manufacturing, trade, and economic integration
- Compliance with standards essential for competing fairly in domestic and international markets
