Kenya is set to host a major global event that will bring together international experts and institutions in the field of accreditation, quality, and standards.
The country will be the venue for the International Accreditation Conference (IAC 2025), organized by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS). The event will also mark the first official visit to Kenya by the recently elected president of the Global Accreditation Corporation (GAC).
According to KENAS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Walter Ongeti, preparations for the conference are complete, and Kenya is ready to welcome participants from around the world.
He noted that this will be the first time such a comprehensive meeting on accreditation will take place globally, bringing together regulators, conformity assessment bodies, consumer representatives, government agencies, and international partners.
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The aim is to strengthen quality infrastructure and build trust in trade, health, construction, and public safety systems.
Dr. Ongeti said the upcoming conference will offer a key platform to discuss how accreditation can reduce technical barriers to trade while enhancing confidence in goods and services both locally and internationally.
He emphasized that improving quality infrastructure will ensure that Kenyan products and services can compete effectively and be accepted across borders.
Delegates from different continents are expected to attend, including senior officials from the Global Accreditation Corporation (GAC), which was formed through the merger of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). Also expected are leaders from the African Accreditation Corporation (AAC), an organization representing all accreditation bodies in Africa.
Dr. Ongeti expressed excitement about Kenya hosting the event and said that the presence of the GAC president on his first official visit adds special significance to the occasion.
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He highlighted the strong government support for the conference, noting that the Head of Public Service will officiate the opening, joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, other Cabinet Secretaries, and several Principal Secretaries.
KENAS has also received support from both the public and private sectors, with many organizations confirming participation as sponsors and exhibitors.
These include KenGen, Kenya Power, the Global Fund, the National Research Fund (NRF), and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). Over 30 organizations have already signed up to showcase their work in testing, inspection, and certification.
Dr. Ongeti thanked all partners for their commitment and called on other stakeholders to confirm attendance to ensure full representation.
The International Accreditation Conference 2025 is expected to position Kenya as a global leader in quality and accreditation, promoting stronger regulatory systems, safer products, and a more competitive African market.
