KEBS Leads Kenya in Marking World Metrology Day 2026 With Calls for Trusted Measurements in Policymaking

By John Kariuki

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) today led the country in commemorating World Metrology Day 2026 with renewed calls for stronger and more reliable measurement systems to support industrialization, scientific advancement, fair trade, consumer protection, and evidence based policymaking.

The celebrations, held at Edge Conferencing Centre in Nairobi under the global theme “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making,” brought together senior government officials, scientists, industry leaders, regulators, academia, development partners, and stakeholders in Kenya’s quality infrastructure sector.

The event highlighted the growing importance of metrology, the science of measurement, in strengthening confidence in governance systems, international trade, healthcare, climate action, industrial production, and technological innovation.

Leading the celebrations was Industrialization Secretary Erastus Gatebe, who emphasized the central role accurate and internationally recognized measurements play in supporting Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.

Prof. Gatebe noted that reliable measurements are critical in ensuring manufacturing excellence, enhancing investor confidence, facilitating global trade, and supporting sustainable industrial growth.

He observed that as governments increasingly adopt data driven governance and embrace emerging technologies, trusted scientific measurements have become more important than ever in guiding national decisions across sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, energy, and environmental management.

“Reliable measurements are fundamental in building confidence within markets, industries, and institutions. Effective policies can only succeed when they are anchored on accurate and verifiable scientific data,” said Prof. Gatebe.

He further stressed that Kenya’s competitiveness in regional and international markets depends heavily on strong standards systems, testing laboratories, calibration capabilities, and conformity assessment frameworks.

KEBS National Standards Council Chairperson Chris Wamalwa called for continued investment in modern laboratories, digital metrology systems, research, and technical expertise to strengthen Kenya’s quality infrastructure.

Hon. Wamalwa said robust measurement systems remain strategic tools in promoting industrial growth, consumer protection, innovation, and confidence in local and international markets.

He also underscored the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, industry players, academia, and development partners in advancing standards and quality assurance systems across the country.

“As Kenya advances towards industrial transformation, we must continue strengthening institutions that guarantee quality, fairness, and confidence within our markets,” Wamalwa stated.

KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari described metrology as the invisible foundation that supports nearly every aspect of modern life, from healthcare and manufacturing to fuel dispensing, environmental monitoring, food safety, and scientific research.

Ngari said this year’s World Metrology Day theme reflects the increasing importance of trusted measurements in shaping credible public policy and strengthening governance systems.

“Trust in policymaking begins with trust in measurements. Governments can only make credible decisions when policies are supported by reliable, verifiable, and internationally accepted data,” she said.

She added that metrology continues to play a major role in addressing emerging global challenges including climate change, digital trade, carbon emissions reporting, public health systems, and energy transition.

Ngari pointed to lessons learned during the COVID 19 pandemic, where governments across the world relied heavily on accurate laboratory testing systems and calibration standards to guide public health interventions and national responses.

The celebrations also marked 151 years since the signing of the historic Metre Convention in Paris on May 20, 1875, which established the international framework for cooperation in measurement science.

Stakeholders attending the event noted that the principles established through the convention continue to underpin global commerce, industrialization, innovation, and consumer protection.

The event further highlighted the importance of metrology in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with experts observing that regional trade can only thrive where countries trust each other’s standards, testing systems, and measurements.

Speakers emphasized that harmonized measurement systems are essential in removing technical barriers to trade and improving confidence in products and services exchanged across borders.

Participants also explored emerging technological trends including artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, robotics, renewable energy, electric mobility, and digital economies, all of which require more advanced and responsive measurement systems.

The celebrations concluded with renewed commitment from stakeholders to continue strengthening Kenya’s quality infrastructure systems in support of industrial growth, innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive economic prosperity.