Kenya to host the International Accreditation Conference (IAC 2025) for the first time

Kenya is set to host the International Accreditation Conference (IAC 2025) for the first time, bringing together global leaders in quality assurance, accreditation, and standards to Nairobi for a major dialogue on strengthening quality infrastructure across sectors.

The conference, organised by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), will convene regulators, conformity assessment bodies, government agencies, researchers, and international quality organizations to explore how accreditation enhances public safety, health standards, and trade facilitation.

Addressing the media on Friday, KENAS Chief Executive Officer Dr Walter Ongeti said Kenya is fully prepared to host the global event, noting that it underscores the country’s growing role in advancing quality and standards on the continent.

“KENAS, as the national accreditation body mandated to assess and accredit entities involved in testing, certification, inspection, and validation, will for the first time host this major international conference,” said Dr Ongeti. “It brings together regulators, stakeholders, consumers, and government institutions to exchange ideas on improving quality across sectors,  from health and construction to automotive and public safety.”

Dr Ongeti added that the conference will highlight how accreditation supports trade by reducing technical barriers and building trust in goods and services. “Our goal is to strengthen the quality infrastructure that underpins confidence in the products and services we trade both locally and globally,” he said.

Delegates from leading global and regional accreditation bodies are expected to attend, including the newly formed Global Accreditation Corporation (GAC), a merger between the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). The GAC’s first president is scheduled to make his inaugural official visit to Kenya during the event.

The conference will also feature the African Accreditation Corporation (AAC), bringing together national accreditation bodies from across the continent.

At the national level, the event has received strong government backing. The Head of Public Service is expected to officiate the opening, joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, several other Cabinet Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries.

KENAS also acknowledged support from key partners and sponsors including KenGen, Kenya Power, the Global Fund, and the National Research Fund (NRF). Over 30 organizations — among them the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) — have confirmed participation as exhibitors.

The International Accreditation Conference 2025 is expected to reinforce Kenya’s position as a regional leader in quality assurance and contribute to stronger, safer, and more competitive markets within Africa and beyond.