Government Chemist formally receives Testing Laboratory Accreditation Certificate

The Ministry of Interior on Thursday noted that this is a significant milestone in strengthening scientific evidence used in criminal investigations, court proceedings, public health decisions and regulatory enforcement. 

According to the ministry, the department attained the accreditation earlier in June 2026 after undergoing an assessment process that took close to three years.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo said that the accreditation confirms that all laboratory services meet internationally recognized standards for quality, impartiality and technical competence.

“Its scientific work supports the administration of justice, public health, environmental protection, national security, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement. The Department also serves as Kenya’s National Authority for the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and as a focal point within the country’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear coordination framework,” read the statement in part.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Omollo opined that the department occupies a “unique” position as Kenya’s central institution for forensic science and analytical laboratory services. 

Additionally, he said that reliable laboratory testing is pivotal to public health, citing cases involving suspected poisoning, narcotic drugs and questions concerning the safety or composition of food, drinks, medicines, agricultural inputs and industrial chemicals. 

Omollo called on all government institutions to support the Government Chemist Department as a shared national scientific capability instead of developing isolated or duplicate analytical facilities. 

The PS believes that collaboration between institutions would enhance shared expertise, technology, data and infrastructure as well as offer better value for money for Kenyans.