Nairobi, Kenya – Evelyne Okwero, from the Marketing Department of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), addressed the audience at the Clean Expo, shedding light on Kebs’ role and emphasizing the importance of quality in the market. She highlighted the collaboration between Kebs and industry associations to ensure that products and services meet the necessary standards.
Ms. Okwero introduced Kebs as the National Standards Body representing Kenya in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the global standardization body. She highlighted the significance of Kebs’ membership in ISO, which allows the organization to stay up-to-date with the latest international standards.
Under the umbrella of Kebs, various certifications and systems are in place to ensure the quality of products and services. Ms. Okwero discussed the importance of product certification, where Kebs grants the marks of quality to locally manufactured products. She also highlighted system certification, which includes certifications for Quality Management, Information Security Management, Business Continuity Management, and Occupational Health and Safety systems.
Ms. Okwero emphasized the relevance of the Business Continuity Management System, particularly in light of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She stressed the need for institutions, including housekeeping services, to prioritize the safety and well-being of employees and ensure that adequate measures are in place.
In addition to certifications, Ms. Okwero outlined several other activities conducted by Kebs. These include educational visits for students from higher learning institutions, attachment programs, comprehensive trainings on quality and standardization, maintenance of international measurement standards, and technical support for trade agreements.
She proudly shared that Kenya Bureau of Standards has contributed significantly to the field of standardization. The outgoing ISO President and the global head of standardization come from Kebs, demonstrating the organization’s expertise and prominence in the international arena. Moreover, Kebs has been appointed to represent Africa in ISO committees, underscoring their dedication to advancing standardization practices on the continent.
Ms. Okwero introduced the various quality marks issued by Kebs, such as the Standardization Mark of Quality, the Damon Mark of Quality, the Food Fortification Mark, and the Import Standardization Mark. Each mark serves a specific purpose in ensuring the quality and safety of products in the market. She encouraged businesses to seek these certifications and emphasized the benefits they bring in terms of reputation and consumer trust.
To facilitate verification of product quality, Ms. Okwero shared a simple method. Consumers can send a short message to the number 2023, including the appropriate code and the number found below the quality mark. This allows consumers to access information about the product’s quality and compliance.
In conclusion, Ms. Okwero expressed gratitude to the audience and stressed the importance of partnerships between Kebs and industry associations in promoting quality products and services. She emphasized Kebs’ commitment to maintaining high standards and urged businesses to prioritize quality as a crucial aspect of their operations.
With Kebs’ continuous efforts and collaborations, the aim is to ensure that Kenyan consumers have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality products and services across various industries.
