Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has called for stronger quality assurance systems to support Kenya’s industrial growth, protect consumers and improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products in regional and international markets.
Kinyanjui said the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) must strengthen its technical capacity to keep pace with changing economic demands as the country attracts investments in emerging industries, including mineral processing and petroleum refining.
In a statement following the World Standards Day 2026 celebrations held at Eka Hotel in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary noted that standards play a critical role in determining product quality, consumer safety and the ability of Kenyan goods to compete in global markets.
He said the country’s industrial ambitions must be supported by effective quality assurance systems capable of meeting evolving industry requirements and international market expectations.
Kinyanjui also called for greater attention to the alcoholic beverages industry, particularly traditional brews, arguing that Kenya could learn from neighbouring countries that have standardised, commercialised and exported their traditional beverages.
He said Kenya had similar opportunities that remained largely untapped, urging the development of appropriate standards and regulatory frameworks to help local producers formalise their businesses, improve product quality and reach wider markets.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the focus should be on responsible manufacturing and consumer protection while creating opportunities for legitimate producers to grow their businesses.
The remarks come amid broader efforts to strengthen Kenya’s manufacturing sector and expand the range of locally produced goods capable of accessing regional and international markets.
During the celebrations, Kinyanjui joined the KEBS team led by Director-General Esther Ngari and representatives of other standards institutions for discussions on the role of standards in supporting industrial development, innovation and consumer safety.
The event also saw the launch of the National Standardization Strategy, a framework intended to strengthen Kenya’s quality infrastructure, promote innovation and ensure national standards keep pace with emerging industries and global market requirements.
The strategy is expected to support efforts to position Kenya as a competitive manufacturing and export hub by strengthening quality systems and aligning products with applicable market standards.
Kinyanjui’s remarks highlighted the need to balance consumer protection with industrial expansion, particularly in sectors where appropriate regulation could help local businesses formalise operations and explore new markets.
