The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has urged Small and medium-sized enterprises (MSEs) to adopt quality standard measures as a pathway to global market access and enhanced competitiveness. . KEBS made the rallying call yesterday as it marked World Quality Day.
Speaking during the event Principal Secretary, State Department of Industrialization Dr. Juma Mukhwana reassured the the government’s commitment to supporting SMEs. “Fostering quality in our SMEs is pivotal for their growth and ability to compete internationally. Our vision is to see ‘Made in Kenya’ synonymous with world-class quality, positioning our products and services as globally sought-after for their excellence,” he said.
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Mukhwana went on to say that quality is integral to government’s vision of transforming Kenya to a quality driven regional powerhouse benefitting not just our vibrant SME sector but also larger industries contributing significantly to our GDP. “This comprehensive focus on quality elevates our national standards, ensuring that Kenyan businesses are well-positioned to compete on a global stage,” the PS said.
Esther Ngari, Managing Director and CEO at KEBS, emphasized the importance of continuous quality improvement beyond initial certification while stating that the approach is fundamental for ensuring safety, reliability, and optimal performance of products and services for business growth.
“Obtaining our quality mark should be viewed not as a final achievement, but as a starting point in a business’s ongoing commitment to quality. Quality directly impacts consumer trust and overall business success,” Ngari stated.
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Peter Munyiri, Chairman of the National Standards Council, said that the introduction of the KEB’s Medium Small Enterprise Policy is a strategic move to bolster vital businesses. It’s a policy designed to unlock potential through innovation, expanded market reach, and the adoption of new technologies.
“This initiative resonates deeply with this year’s theme, ‘Quality: Realizing Your Competitive Potential.’ It highlights the journey of quality as not merely meeting regulatory standards but as an integral, ongoing process that’s key to the growth and long-term success of SMEs,” he said.
Celebrated globally, the World Quality Day highlights the critical role of quality in the daily lives of citizens, its positive impact on businesses, consumers, and society.
