Functions Of Kenya Accreditation Service

The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) is the national accreditation body in Kenya, re-established by the Kenya Accreditation Service Act of 2019. Operating under the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Enterprise Development, KENAS aims to ensure conformity to standards and build confidence in Kenyan products and services both locally and internationally.

Key Functions of the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS)

1. Accreditation of Assessment Bodies: Evaluates and accredits various conformity assessment bodies in Kenya.
2. Promotion of Accreditation: Actively promotes accreditation standards and practices throughout the country.
3. Mutual Recognition Promotion: Encourages mutual recognition of accredited bodies and ensures equivalence of accreditation schemes.
4. International Cooperation: Establishes and nurtures relationships with regional and international accreditation bodies and associations for enhanced cooperation.
5. Guideline Formulation: Participates in the creation and monitoring of national, regional, and international accreditation standards and guidelines.
6. Public Awareness and Advocacy: Increases awareness of accreditation by disseminating information through reports, publications, and advocacy programs.
7. Training and Research: Provides training and promotes research in the areas of accreditation and conformity assessment.
8. International Agreements: Initiates and maintains mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) at the international level.
9. Government Support on MRAs: Assists the government with mutual recognition agreements related to accreditation.
10. Regulatory Coordination: Works with regulatory bodies on accreditation matters.
11. Organizational Membership: Secures membership in relevant national, regional, and international bodies to achieve its objectives.
12. Logo and Symbol Protection: Promotes and safeguards the use of KENAS logos and symbols.
13. Mutual Recognition Arrangements: Promotes and upholds regional and international mutual recognition arrangements and symbols.
14. Development of Accreditation Schemes: Establishes and maintains accreditation schemes for conformity assessment bodies, aligned with international practices and the needs of stakeholders.
15. Guideline and Standard Implementation: Develops and enforces national guidelines and standards to facilitate accreditation processes.
16. Advisory to Government: Advises the government on designating conformity assessment bodies.
17. Monitoring Accredited Bodies: Ensures accredited bodies conduct their conformity assessment activities effectively.
18. Register Maintenance: Maintains a register of all accredited bodies and their status.
19. Certification and Symbol Issuance: Issues accreditation certificates and symbols to accredited bodies.
20. Quarterly Publication: Publishes a quarterly list of accredited bodies in the gazette and on its website.
21. Promotion of Accreditation Symbols: Encourages the use of accreditation symbols on certificates and reports issued by accredited bodies.

Kenya Accreditation Service Contact Information

• Location: No. 06 Masaba Road, Upperhill, Nairobi
• Contacts: 0725 207 640 / 0787 395 679

KENAS’s activities support the credibility of Kenya’s products and services by ensuring adherence to internationally recognized standards, fostering trust, and enhancing trade opportunities.