Close Menu
The Coast Times Digital

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Lamu Fishermen Demand Fair Fishing Policies, Criticizing Disparities in Enforcement

    September 5, 2025

    HR Leaders Challenged to Provide Greater Value to Talent in the Age of AI

    September 4, 2025

    Lamu Farmers Set for Economic Boost with Commissioning of Maiden Edible Oil Plant

    September 4, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Lamu Fishermen Demand Fair Fishing Policies, Criticizing Disparities in Enforcement
    • HR Leaders Challenged to Provide Greater Value to Talent in the Age of AI
    • Lamu Farmers Set for Economic Boost with Commissioning of Maiden Edible Oil Plant
    • National liquor licensing and control boards caucus take on NACADA over unconstitutional policy proposals
    • Kwale Ginnery Brings Hope as Cotton Revival Gains Momentum in the Coastal region
    • Kilifi governor aspirant Aisha Jumwa gloves off a in legal showdown over controversial audio recording of 2016
    • Healthcare crisis looms in Lamu County as medics go on strike over delayed pay and job stagnation
    • Shela Village resident protest over alleged land grabbing of protected water catchment area
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    The Coast Times DigitalThe Coast Times Digital
    • Home
    • Features
    • Politics

      Lamu Fishermen Demand Fair Fishing Policies, Criticizing Disparities in Enforcement

      September 5, 2025

      HR Leaders Challenged to Provide Greater Value to Talent in the Age of AI

      September 4, 2025

      Lamu Farmers Set for Economic Boost with Commissioning of Maiden Edible Oil Plant

      September 4, 2025

      National liquor licensing and control boards caucus take on NACADA over unconstitutional policy proposals

      September 4, 2025

      Kwale Ginnery Brings Hope as Cotton Revival Gains Momentum in the Coastal region

      September 4, 2025
    • Typography
    • Science

      Rural electrification to bring growth and security to Kwale’s remote village

      August 25, 2025

      Over 90 Youth Trained on Trauma Healing and Stress Management in Kwale

      August 5, 2025

      Spike in Maternal Deaths Sparks Alarm in Kwale

      June 22, 2025

      Relief for hydrocele patients and expectant mothers in need of surgical services in Mkongani, Matuga sub county

      June 10, 2025

      NCBA marks World Environment Day with mangrove drive and cleanup in Kwale to combat plastic pollution

      June 7, 2025
    • Opionion/Commentary
    • Contact Us
    The Coast Times Digital
    Home»Politics»Kwale»KEBS Pushes for standard harmonization to unlock Africa’s Trade Potential.
    Kwale

    KEBS Pushes for standard harmonization to unlock Africa’s Trade Potential.

    Coast Times DigitalBy Coast Times DigitalMarch 19, 2025Updated:March 24, 2025No Comments3 Views
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    By Nuru Salim.

    The call for a unified set of product standards across Africa took center stage as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) hosted the 4th Annual Regional Quality Conference in Kwale, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from across the continent.

    With Africa’s trade potential expanding under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), standard harmonization is emerging as a key priority to unlock cross-border commerce, cut production costs, and eliminate regulatory barriers.

    Currently, Africa trades more with Europe (66.9%), Asia (63.8%), America (44.4%), with intra-African trade standing at just 16%, according to the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

    It is noted that differing national standards contribute significantly to this trade imbalance by increasing compliance costs and delaying the movement of goods.

    Themed “Strategic Synergy: Elevating Quality and Value Through Culture, Customer-Centricity, Innovation, and Competence,” the four-day conference beginning on 19th March seeks to address these challenges by embedding quality excellence into businesses, institutions, and industries.

    It will also explore how African nations can align local standards with international benchmarks to boost global competitiveness.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, National Standards Council (NSC) Chairman Dr. Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu emphasized the need for African countries to accelerate the harmonization process, warning that fragmented regulatory systems continue to hold back economic growth.

    He stated that achieving a unified system of product standards would ease trade restrictions, attract investment, and enhance industrial productivity across the continent.

    “The ultimate goal is to have a single standard for each product, whether maize grain or road vehicle tires, so that goods can move freely across the 52 AfCFTA member country borders without barriers.” said Dr. Wamalwa.

    He noted that over 1,290 product standards have already been harmonized through efforts led by the East African Community (EAC) and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).

    Some of the most impactful efforts include harmonized standards for maize, edible oils, and steel bars, which have significantly improved trade within the EAC region.

    However, more work is required to extend these harmonized standards across all 52 AfCFTA member states to create a truly integrated market.

    Dr. Wamalwa further pointed out that Kenya, through KEBS, has developed over 11,200 local standards across various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.

    These efforts align with Kenya’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes affordable housing, manufacturing, and quality healthcare.

    KEBS Managing Director, Ms. Esther Ngari, urged businesses to embrace quality management as a driver of competitiveness, rather than viewing it solely as a regulatory requirement. She emphasized that strong quality frameworks enable businesses to scale, access new markets, and enhance consumer trust.

    “Africa has the potential to compete on a global scale, but this will not happen unless we take quality seriously. Businesses must integrate quality into their strategies, not just to meet regulatory requirements but to enhance innovation, customer satisfaction, and market reach,” she said.

    She further noted that KEBS is investing in training and capacity-building through initiatives like the Certified Quality Professional (CQP) and Diploma in Quality Management (DQM) programs, developed in collaboration with KASNEB.

    The programs aim to equip professionals with the skills necessary to drive quality transformation within their organizations.

    Industry experts highlight that poor quality control has cost African businesses billions in lost revenue.

    A report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) estimates that Africa loses up to $15 billion annually due to substandard goods and counterfeit products flooding the market.

    Enforcing strict quality measures would not only protect consumers but also boost investor confidence and industrial growth.

    The conference, which runs until March 21, provides a crucial platform for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to collaborate on embedding quality excellence into economic policies and business strategies.

    Stakeholders expect that discussions will lead to actionable recommendations that will shape regulatory frameworks, promote sustainable quality practices, and enhance Africa’s position in global

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email
    Coast Times Digital
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)

    Coast Times Digital is a news hub that bring to you information across the Coastal region and beyond in a manner that is guided by the editorial rules and laws.

    Related Posts

    Lamu Fishermen Demand Fair Fishing Policies, Criticizing Disparities in Enforcement

    September 5, 2025

    HR Leaders Challenged to Provide Greater Value to Talent in the Age of AI

    September 4, 2025

    Lamu Farmers Set for Economic Boost with Commissioning of Maiden Edible Oil Plant

    September 4, 2025
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Top Posts

    Kwale County-based People Daily Journalist quits media to join the office of the government spokesperson

    January 24, 2024945

    Kwale magistrate order Diani OCS to investigate Diani DCI “money for freedom” claims by suspected Panga boys criminals.

    April 1, 2025872

    The untold story of Nyari sisal estate in Samburu-Chengoni, Kwale County

    March 26, 2024657

    BREAKING NEWS! Kilifi Blue economy chief officer allegedly stabbed to death by house maid

    July 20, 2023631
    Don't Miss
    Lamu

    Lamu Fishermen Demand Fair Fishing Policies, Criticizing Disparities in Enforcement

    By Coast Times DigitalSeptember 5, 2025630

    Lamu fishermen are urging the national government to ensure fairness when applying its fishing policies…

    HR Leaders Challenged to Provide Greater Value to Talent in the Age of AI

    September 4, 2025

    Lamu Farmers Set for Economic Boost with Commissioning of Maiden Edible Oil Plant

    September 4, 2025

    National liquor licensing and control boards caucus take on NACADA over unconstitutional policy proposals

    September 4, 2025
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Vimeo

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from SmartMag about art & design.

    About

    SHIMBA HILLS MEDIA NETWORK
    P.o Box 351,80403, Kwale Tel: +254 734 869440
    Email: info@coasttimesdigital.com

    © {2022} Coast Times Digital.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.