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Kenya banks on accreditation to boost SME access to global markets

Kenya banks on accreditation to boost SME access to global markets
Investment Promotion PS Hassan Abubakar (2nd left) and Walter Ongeti, the CEO Kenya Accreditation Service, KENAS (3rd left) with other stakeholders during the World Accreditation Pre-Confrence in Nairobi. PHOTO/KENAS

Kenya has joined the global community in celebrating World Accreditation Day, spotlighting accreditation as a vital catalyst for unlocking international market opportunities and driving economic growth, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Stakeholders at the event emphasised that accreditation ensured compliance with global standards, enhancing product safety, quality, and competitiveness for businesses aiming to expand beyond local markets.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, highlighted the growing demand for Kenyan products globally but stressed that meeting international standards is non-negotiable for securing consumer trust and market access.

“Our department has rolled out initiatives to support Kenyan businesses in penetrating global markets while helping them meet the necessary standards,” he said.

Walter Ongeti, CEO of the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), highlighted the transformative role of accreditation for SMEs, which form the backbone of Kenya’s economy.

“Accreditation validates market readiness and safety compliance, opening doors to financial resources and enabling SMEs to scale,” he said.

Certified products, he added, were better positioned to meet stringent safety regulations, boosting their appeal in both local and international markets.

Accurate measurements were also flagged as a key driver of industry efficiency, reducing waste, minimising rework, and ensuring compliance, which ultimately enhances customer satisfaction and lowers costs.

A significant hurdle for SMEs remains access to capital. Angela Mwirigi, Head of Digital Banking at Kenya Commercial Bank, noted that accreditation serves as a critical benchmark for financial institutions.

“With digital banking, we can assess businesses beyond physical location. Accreditation provides a reliable measure of credibility, enabling us to support SMEs more effectively,” she said.

KENAS has made significant strides in accrediting Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) in 13 African countries, including Kenya, Burundi, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia.

Notably, 83 per cent of these accredited entities are micro and small enterprises, underscoring accreditation’s role in empowering smaller businesses to compete on a global stage.

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