𝗞𝗶𝗻𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗶 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has called for stronger integration of metrology—the science of accurate and reliable measurement—into health, manufacturing and trade sectors to enhance consumer protection and support regional economic growth.

Kinyanjui emphasised that accurate and harmonised measurements form the foundation for fair trade, reliable healthcare and competitive industries.

The conference, held under the theme “Mainstreaming Metrology in Health, Manufacturing, and Trade to Enhance Consumer Protection”, brings together experts, policymakers and stakeholders from East African Community (EAC) partner states and international partners.

He highlighted the critical role of metrology in advancing EAC Vision 2050, which aims to transform the region into an upper-middle-income, secure and politically united East Africa.

Kinyanjui noted that Article 81 of the EAC Treaty and the EAC SQMT Act, 2006, underscore harmonised measurement systems as essential for a single market. He added that ongoing reforms to separate the SQMT Act into dedicated laws for standardisation, accreditation, conformity assessment and metrology will strengthen the legal framework.

The CS also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which creates a market of over 1.4 billion people with a GDP exceeding USD 3.4 trillion. Annex 6 on Technical Barriers to Trade calls for cooperation in metrology to facilitate intra-African trade through mutual recognition of calibration certificates and alignment with international benchmarks.

“Accurate measurement systems are prerequisites for effective regulation, seamless trade and safeguarding citizens. For EAC products to access the AfCFTA market credibly, our metrology infrastructure must meet global standards,” he said.

He further linked metrology to Agenda 2063, noting that aspirations for inclusive growth, sustainable development and world-class infrastructure depend on robust quality systems.

National Standards Council Chairman Dr Chris Wamalwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing measurement science as a cornerstone of consumer protection and national development.

He stressed the need to strengthen laboratory capacity, accreditation and technical competence to support health systems with reliable measurements.

“Metrology ensures safe medicine, compliant products and fair transactions. Investing in it is investing in human life,” Dr Wamalwa said.

Kenya Bureau of Standards Managing Director Esther Ngari highlighted the real-life impact of metrology on ordinary citizens.

She cited examples such as calibrated fuel pumps for boda boda riders, accurate medical devices for mothers and children, and precise tools for farmers and exporters to secure fair prices and market access.

“Metrology must move beyond laboratories into the marketplace. It determines correct medicine doses, fair produce prices and confident exports across the region,” she said.