KEBS Champions Trusted Measurements to Strengthen Policy Making
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, May 20, 2026 — Accurate and reliable measurements are critical in building public trust, shaping sound policies and strengthening Kenya’s economy, stakeholders said on Wednesday during the 2026 World Metrology Day celebrations hosted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards in Nairobi.
The event, held at The Edge Convention Centre in South C, brought together government officials, industry leaders, scientists and development partners to mark the annual celebration under the theme “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making.” The discussions focused on how accurate measurements can improve governance, trade, healthcare, environmental protection and industrial growth.
Representing Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, Industrialization Secretary Erastus Gatebe said trusted measurements remain the backbone of fair markets, effective regulation and economic progress.
Reading the Cabinet Secretary’s speech, Gatebe said metrology may often go unnoticed, yet it quietly influences everyday life through systems people rely on, including fuel pumps, medical equipment, agricultural exports and digital technologies.
“Today’s occasion is more than a celebration of science. It is a reminder that the strength of our economies, the safety of our citizens and the fairness of our markets all depend on trust in measurements,” he said.
He further noted that as Kenya pursues industrial growth and expands trade opportunities, measurement science must be integrated into policymaking from the beginning to ensure regulations are practical, measurable and aligned with international standards.
At the same time, he called for stronger collaboration among regulators, laboratories and accreditation agencies, saying coordinated systems would help improve market surveillance, risk assessment and enforcement.
Gatebe also emphasized the need to modernize laboratories and invest in digital tools and technical skills to support emerging sectors such as renewable energy, health technologies and environmental monitoring.
Similarly, Principal Secretary for Industry Juma Mukhwana, whose speech was also delivered during the event, said trusted measurements are essential in strengthening governance and public confidence.
He noted that policy decisions in sectors such as agriculture, health, trade, energy and environmental protection rely heavily on accurate and traceable data.
“Trust is the foundation of effective governance. Yet, this trust must be earned through transparency, consistency and reliable data,” he said.
He added that Kenya continues to strengthen its national quality infrastructure through KEBS to support industrialization and improve the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Speaking during the celebrations, KEBS Director of Metrology and Testing Henry Rotich underscored the growing importance of metrology in evidence-based policymaking.
Rotich said governments can only make sound decisions when policies are backed by accurate and reliable data.
“Good policy requires good data, and good data requires trusted measurements,” he said.
He explained that sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, climate action, trade and artificial intelligence increasingly depend on reliable measurements to function effectively.
Rotich further highlighted Kenya’s growing strength in metrology, noting that KEBS currently operates more than 20 specialized laboratories that support healthcare, environmental monitoring, trade and innovation.
He added that Kenya became the first country in East Africa to establish a Cobalt-60 radiotherapy calibration facility, improving precision and safety in cancer treatment.
According to Rotich, Kenya has also published 43 internationally recognized Calibration and Measurement Capabilities, helping enhance trust in exports and industrial products across international markets.
Meanwhile, Green Earth Ambassador Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott linked metrology to climate action, saying proper measurement and verification are necessary to deliver credible environmental results.
Kibiwott cited his recent Guinness World Record of planting 23,326 trees within 24 hours in Elgeyo Marakwet County, saying every tree planted was counted, monitored and independently verified.
He said weather conditions were also measured before and after the exercise to improve survival rates and guide implementation.
“Without reliable systems of measurement, the achievement would not have been credible or globally recognized,” he said.
Kibiwott added that Kenya’s plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 will require accurate data, continuous monitoring and transparency to ensure measurable impact.
On his part, National Standards Council Chairperson Chris Wamalwa urged policymakers and businesses to embrace proper measurement systems to improve trust and competitiveness.
Using the example of a farmer whose export produce was rejected due to inaccurate weighing, Wamalwa said poor measurements can lead to heavy losses despite quality production.
“When measurements are trusted, policies gain legitimacy. And when policies are trusted, institutions become stronger,” he said.
As the event came to a close, speakers agreed that metrology is no longer just a technical function operating behind laboratory walls. Instead, they said, it has become a critical pillar in building transparent policies, protecting consumers and driving Kenya’s industrial and economic transformation.
They further called for sustained investment in measurement systems to ensure Kenya builds policies that are evidence-based, enforceable and trusted by the public.
