The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is strengthening its strategic partnerships to boost market product quality and safety.
Managing Director Esther Ngari said the agency has made partnership a fundamental element in its operations to further promote the achievement of its mandate of developing and enforcing national standards.
Speaking on Tuesday during the World Standards Day celebrations, themed “Partnership for Goals,” Ngari highlighted public health, food security, and energy as key areas where KEBS is working closely with other institutions.
She noted that the bureau’s partnership with the Ministry of Health under the national fortification programme has helped combat malnutrition. “By developing and enforcing standards for the fortification of maize flour with essential vitamins and minerals, and by partnering with small-scale mills, we are ensuring that even the most vulnerable communities have access to affordable and nutritious foods,” she said.
“This is not just Kebs working in isolation; it is a partnership that directly contributes to SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 3 (good health and well-being).”
Ngari added that KEBS has also collaborated with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to ensure the integrity of the fuel in the market.
“Together, we guarantee the quality of fuel in our market. While EPRA regulates the sector, Kebs provides the testing and certification backbone against Kenyan standards,” she said.
She explained that this collaboration shields consumers from substandard fuel that can damage engines and harm the environment, while also promoting fair trade practices.
Ngari added that KEBS’ partnership with academic institutions demonstrates how the agency bridges the gap between research and practical solutions.
“Aflatoxin is a silent threat in our food chain and a barrier to trade. By partnering with leading academic institutions, we are harnessing local research and innovation to develop more effective detection and control methods, protecting our people and unlocking export opportunities for our farmers,” she said.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui emphasized that standards of quality play a vital role in unlocking trade opportunities. He cited the Kenya-Uganda memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between KEBS and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the East African Community (EAC) treaty as instrumental frameworks that have strengthened regional trade.
“These are more than trade agreements. They are collaborations that underscore how standardisation can drive diplomacy, trade, and mutual development,” he said.
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