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