By Patricia Okumu
The premier government agency for the provision of Standards, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has unveiled new standards targeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The standards knuckle down to establishing Smart cities for sustainable communities, affordable and clean energy and zero hunger in the country. Through the National Bureau of Standards, the government actively aspires to create policies to spur standardisation and strengthen Kenya’s manufacturing and production sector.
The need to raise awareness on global standardisation of products and its importance to the world economy is what resonates with World Standards Day. KEBS has been developing standards that are aimed at supporting different sectors. On this day, KEBS joined the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) to pay tribute to the concerted efforts of thousands of experts around the globe who formulate standards that push the global economy forward. of the economy, in line with its mandate.
Commenting on the new KEBS initiatives, Lt Col (Rtd.) Bernard Njiraini said the Emerging Standards Forum is a platform that KEBS has developed in order to build a progressive discourse on issues surrounding standardisation with both industry partners and the media.
According to the Lt Col (Rtd.), as the global pressure for food demand increases, equally the risk of quality and safety of the products available to the consumers increases due to bad practices such as adulteration.
This therefore calls for robust systems to be put in place to ensure that unnecessary technical barriers are not introduced to restrict trade of the commodity while protecting the safety of consumers as well as ensure that the products available are of acceptable quality.
“This balance of science and trade brings to focus the standardisation activities in contributing to realisation of SDG 2. For instance, one of the standards being reviewed is on olive oil, KS 1789:2022 which seeks to ensure trade of olive oil is well facilitated and safe,” Njiraini said.
“This standard, as is the case of other edible oils and fats standards, provides technical guidance and minimum specifications that must be met for the product to be released in the market. Full adherence to the specifications will assure a safe and high-quality product hence enabling the consumers to have value for money.”
He also emphasised on the need to remember Sustainable Development Goal 6, which goes beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources which are crucial to the very existence
The Emerging Standards Forum is an excellent platform to connect with communities while preaching the standardisation gospel.
This event accentuated the need to remember Sustainable Development Goal 6, which goes beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources which are crucial to the very existence of humankind.
Speaking at the same time, Eng. Benard Ngore, Chairman National Standards Council, said he believed the Emerging Standards Forum is an excellent platform to connect with communities while preaching the standardisation gospel.
“As the government body responsible for the provision of Standards and conformity assessment, we pride ourselves on providing standards-based solutions that promote innovation, trade, and quality of life. In a fast-paced world, we cannot underestimate the role of standards in any developing nation. We acknowledge that standards are important tools of trade, and standards greatly help in promoting innovation and giving entrepreneurs a competitive advantage,” he said.
Esther Ngari, the Director for Standards Development and Trade, KEBS, said as we mark the World Standards Day, the emphasis should be on among other areas, the creation of smart cities, the adoption of biodiesel fuel and access to clean water and sanitation services.
“These are concepts that have been given global impetus through recognition by the United Nations,” she noted.
