Kinyanjui Urges Manufacturers to Embrace Quality as Kenya Eyes Global Market Share
The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry, Lee Kinyanjui (left) presents a Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)’ Diamond Mark of Quality certificate to Ravi Varsani of General Industries Ltd during a breakfast event to honor holders of the Mark. Looking on is KEBS Managing Director, Esther Ngari.
Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, has called on local manufacturers to adopt the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)’ prestigious Diamond Mark of Quality to boost global competitiveness and promote sustainable industrial growth.
Speaking during a KEBS-hosted breakfast event at Nairobi Hotel to honor current holders of the Diamond Mark, Kinyanjui emphasized that the certification is a powerful tool for brand positioning and international market penetration.
He noted that products bearing the mark are not only symbols of Kenyan excellence but are increasingly becoming consumers’ top choice in both local and regional markets.
“The Diamond Mark carries our national pride. It’s more than a label it’s a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and consumer trust,” Kinyanjui said, urging more businesses to align with KEBS to leverage the benefits of regional quality harmonization and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He pledged government support in simplifying import-related regulations such as the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC), especially for raw materials, spare parts, and industrial equipment, noting that streamlining such processes will cut costs and accelerate production timelines for manufacturers.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Kinyanjui said Kenya’s growing reputation for quality has made local products increasingly attractive on the continent.
“Through KEBS’ quality frameworks, we empower our industries to compete globally, attract investment, and drive inclusive growth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he added.
Making her remarks, KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari said since its inception in 1996, the Diamond Mark of Quality has been awarded to over 1,200 products. She described it as a hallmark of consistency, innovation, and excellence, stressing that continuous improvement and strict adherence to global standards like ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17065:2012 remain vital to retaining the mark.
Ngari also assured small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that quality certification is within their reach, not just large corporations.
“We are scaling up awareness and inviting local enterprises to apply for the 2025 Kenya Quality Awards,” she said.
National Standards Council Chairman, Dr. Chris Wamalwa, reinforced the mark’s role in setting Kenyan products apart on the global stage, representing not just compliance, but a culture of quality and care for consumers and the environment.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is a statutory body established under the Standards Act (CAP 496) of the laws of Kenya and is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). KEBS’ mandate is to provide standardization and conformity assessment services.
The event brought together industry leaders and government officials in a shared call to uphold quality as a national development pillar.
