Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry, Lee Kinyanjui (left) presents a Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)’ Diamond Mark of Quality certificate to Ravi Varsani of General Industries Ltd during a breakfast event at Nairobi Hotel.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is calling on local manufacturers to embrace its prestigious Diamond Mark of Quality as a key to unlocking regional and global markets.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting hosted by KEBS at Serena Hotel on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui urged manufacturers to invest in quality excellence, saying it was the gateway to competitiveness, sustainability, and global recognition.
“The Diamond Mark carries Kenya’s pride and showcases our ability to deliver world-class products,” Kinyanjui said.
“Through KEBS’ quality management frameworks, we empower our industries to compete globally and attract vital investment.”Kinyanjui said the government remains committed to making manufacturing easier by strengthening regulatory processes, including exempting raw materials, machinery, and spare parts from pre-export verification requirements to reduce delays and cut costs.
He added that quality is now a national priority, central to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. “We’re building a system that supports innovation, creates jobs, and grows exports. Manufacturers who prioritize quality are key to driving inclusive growth,” he noted.
The event brought together over 100 industry leaders and was also addressed by KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari and National Standards Council Chair Dr. Chris Wamalwa.Dr. Wamalwa praised the Diamond Mark as a badge of trust, earned only by those who exceed standard compliance and demonstrate continuous dedication to product excellence, safety, and sustainability.
Ngari noted that since its launch in 1996, over 1,200 products have been awarded the Diamond Mark. She emphasized that SMEs are welcome to join the scheme, and KEBS is scaling up awareness campaigns to reach more local producers.
“Quality is not just for big firms. Every enterprise has a chance to rise through commitment and consistency,” Ngari said.She invited local businesses to apply for the 2025 Kenya Quality Awards, set to recognize outstanding performance later this year.
KEBS administers three main certification schemes: the mandatory Standardization Mark, the Fortification Mark, and the voluntary Diamond Mark. To earn the Diamond Mark, firms must meet strict standards, maintain quality systems like ISO 9001 or ISO 22000, and undergo regular performance monitoring.Manufacturers with the mark enjoy faster market access, reduced inspection bottlenecks, and stronger brand appeal proof that quality truly pays.
