Kenya has successfully hosted the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) in Mombasa, bringing together 400 delegates from 58 countries, including 36 African nations.
The Assembly was initially scheduled to take place in Uganda but was moved to Kenya following the Ebola outbreak, giving the country a short period to prepare for the major international gathering.
Speaking after attending the Assembly at Sarova Whitesands in Mombasa, Hon Lee Kinyanjui said Kenya’s ability to step in and host the event at short notice demonstrated the confidence placed in the country and highlighted the strength of its growing hospitality sector.
“Kenya successfully hosted the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) in Mombasa, bringing together 400 delegates from 58 countries, including 36 African nations,” Kinyanjui said.
He said the Assembly made significant progress in discussions on harmonising standards across the continent, which he noted would help facilitate the seamless movement of goods between African countries.
Kinyanjui observed that intra-African trade remains low at about 17 per cent, despite African countries conducting up to 70 per cent of their trade with markets outside the continent.
He said Africa must remove unnecessary barriers that hinder trade and create stronger markets for products manufactured and produced within the continent.
“We must remove unnecessary barriers, open African markets to African products, and create wealth and jobs for our people,” Kinyanjui said.
He further emphasised the need for African countries to take advantage of the continent’s large consumer market by promoting trade among themselves and reducing dependence on external markets.
“Africa must conquer the African market,” he said.
The discussions at the Assembly therefore focused on the importance of harmonised standards in improving market access, reducing technical barriers to trade and supporting the movement of goods across borders.
Kinyanjui said stronger intra-African trade would create opportunities for businesses while contributing to wealth creation and employment across the continent.
He attended the Assembly alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Also present were ARSO President Botsile Kebapetse, ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Esther Ngari.
Kinyanjui commended the technical team that organised the Assembly, saying their efforts enabled Kenya to successfully host the international meeting despite the short notice.
