The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) today joined the global community in celebrating World Standards Day, an annual event that celebrates the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who develop voluntary technical agreements that are published as International Standards.

This year’s World Standards Day theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure in the Age of AI”, focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. International Standards are the backbone of global progress. They ensure interoperability, security, and sustainability, fostering global collaboration to accelerate innovation through AI.

Standards have been a key pillar in KEBS’ mandate to protect Kenyan consumers, ensuring that the goods and services they use are reliable and safe. By working in collaboration with industry, government, and consumer groups, KEBS has successfully implemented standards that safeguard sustainable industrial growth, and cutting-edge innovation – powered by artificial intelligence that drives Kenya’s economic transformation, today and for future generations.

The celebrations also coincided with KEBS’ 50th anniversary, marking five decades of the National Standards Body being at the forefront of Kenya’s development, safeguarding consumer safety, improving product quality, and boosting the country’s competitiveness in international markets.

Established in 1974 under the Standards Act, Cap 496 of the Laws of Kenya, KEBS is mandated to ensure the quality and safety of products and services in Kenya, while also promoting industrial development and international trade. Over the five decades of its existence, the Standards body has been at the forefront of developing of a robust regulatory framework that ensures that products and services meet the highest levels of quality, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Additionally, it has played a critical role in elevating Kenya’s position in global trade by ensuring that Kenyan products meet international standards, KEBS has helped local businesses gain a competitive edge in global markets, driving economic growth, and contributing to the nation’s development. From agricultural products to manufactured goods, standards have ensured that Kenya can compete favorably on the international stage, building trust in the “Made in Kenya” label.

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Speaking during the celebrations, the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei who was the chief guest noted that quality standards play a pivotal role in promoting good governance and enhancing service delivery in Kenya’s public sector.

By establishing clear benchmarks for performance, efficiency, and accountability, Koskei observed that standards ensure government services are delivered consistently, transparently, and with integrity, helping streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across public institutions.

Koskei added “At the heart of public service and governance lies one word- Trust. Good governance is not measured by the mere provision of services but by

the quality, reliability, and integrity of those services. Standards are the custodians of this trust.”

Affirming the government’s commitment to economic transformation, Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya said: “Manufacturing is at the heart of this agenda. Through initiatives like the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), we are building hubs where innovation and value addition will flourish. These parks will create jobs, stimulate growth, and position Kenya as a global industrial leader. But none of these will be possible without ensuring that standards are met at every step.”

In her address at the event, KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari lauded all stakeholders for their critical role in developing and advancing the adherence and conformity to standards to safeguard the safety of consumers and facilitate trade.

“Manufacturers, importers, exporters, and MSMEs are the lifeblood of our standards movement. Whether creating products for local households or exporting goods across the globe, they have elevated ‘Made in Kenya’ to become synonymous with trust and excellence. Together, we’ve crafted an ecosystem where standards are not just regulations but a promise to every consumer”, she noted.

Ngari added that KEBS recognizes that the future of standards cannot be shaped in isolation and that it takes the collaboration of all stakeholders – including industry leaders, policymakers, academic institutions, consumers, civil society, and media – to ensure that Kenya’s standards remain forward-looking, relevant, and adaptable to the changing global landscape.

“As we mark this 50th anniversary, KEBS is committed to strengthening partnerships and fostering dialogue with stakeholders to entrench sustainability in the standards development process. This collaboration will ensure that future standards not only meet the needs of today but also address the challenges of tomorrow, particularly in the areas of climate action, resource conservation, and social equity”

Projecting a more vibrant and fruitful future, Ngari said that for the next 50 years and beyond, KEBS will remain dedicated to ensuring that standards are not only a tool for economic growth but also a foundation for building a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive society, as well as adapting to emerging global realities including climate change.

“As we reflect on the achievements of the past 50 years, KEBS is also looking ahead to the future of standards development. This year’s theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure in the Age of AI”, focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.” she noted.

The National Standards Council Chairman Anthony Munyiri said: “The future will be defined by how we respond to global challenges. Resilient infrastructures, especially smart cities and communities, and the ever-shifting consumer expectations are reshaping industries faster than ever before. In this dynamic landscape, standards will be crucial. They will serve as the blueprint for adapting to change, ensuring that innovation and sustainability walk hand in hand.”