KEBS enhances testing capabilities with new state-of-the-art laboratory equipment

KENYA – The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nairobi and TradeMark Africa, has commissioned four advanced laboratory testing devices aimed at improving product certification and quality assurance.

Valued at over KES67M (US$519,000), this initiative represents a substantial advancement in Kenya’s infrastructure for ensuring the safety and quality of food, agricultural, and industrial products destined for both domestic and global markets.

Speaking at the launch, Esther Ngari, KEBS Managing Director, said that the newly installed equipment is designed to significantly reduce testing turnaround times, thereby minimizing compliance risks and enhancing efficiency.

According to her, the upgrade enables KEBS to process a greater volume of samples more rapidly, contributing to improved accuracy in food and product evaluations.

“For instance, certain analyses that previously required up to six hours can now be completed in as little as one hour, while near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy results, which once took seven days, are now available within a minute,” she revealed.

By facilitating higher-quality exports, the equipment is expected to reduce rejection rates for key Kenyan food products in international markets, thereby bolstering the nation’s economic competitiveness.

Additionally, KEBS staff have undergone specialized training to optimize the use of these tools, ensuring sustained operational excellence.

Echoing her, Dan Wilcox, Economic Counselor for the British High Commission, noted that the project, developed over the past four years with financial support amounting to £700,000 from partners including the British Standards Institute, underscores a commitment to strengthening Kenya’s role as a regional trade hub.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by key figures Lillian Mwai Ndegwa, Kenya Country Director for TradeMark Africa.

Their presence highlights the collaborative nature of the endeavor, which aligns with broader goals of promoting safe and reliable trade practices.

“This development positions Kenya to positively influence the regional trade ecosystem, ensuring that products entering and exiting the country meet rigorous standards,” said Mwai.

As global markets demand increasingly stringent quality controls, such investments are essential for maintaining Kenya’s standing in international commerce.

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