By Jameson Mutua
Kenya reaffirmed its position as a regional leader in standardization this week by hosting the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Africa Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The high-level forum, which marked ten years of the IEC’s presence on the continent, brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss Africa’s growing influence in global standardization and the future of sustainable electrification.
Speaking during the event, IEC President Jo Cops emphasized the need for Africa to evolve from being a participant to becoming a key contributor in the global standardization process.
“We started with the motto ‘IEC in Africa,’ but now the focus is shifting. We want Africa in the IEC,” he said. “For the IEC to truly be an international standards organization, all African countries must take active roles in standard setting and conformity assessment.”
Mr. Cops highlighted the growing importance of electricity access and renewable energy integration across the continent, noting that electrification is now a vital driver of economic participation and human development.
“Electricity is not just infrastructure; it is a human right,” he stated. “Our standards cover everything from traditional grids to renewable energy and interconnection systems, ensuring reliable and sustainable access for all.”
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Ms. Esther Ngari reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to aligning local standards with international benchmarks.
“We are very intentional about harmonizing the standards we adopt with international norms because global trade depends on it,” she said. “By adopting IEC and ISO standards, we empower our traders and industries to compete effectively in regional and global markets.”
In her keynote address, Ms. Ngari welcomed delegates to Nairobi, describing the 10th anniversary of the IEC Africa Regional Centre as both a celebration and a call to action.
“The establishment of the IEC Africa Regional Centre in 2015 was a visionary step that strengthened Africa’s voice within the global electrotechnical community,” she noted. “Over the past decade, this Centre has been more than just an office; it has served as a catalyst for collaboration and a bridge connecting African institutions with the wider IEC family.”
She added that as Africa embraces clean energy, digital transformation, and industrial growth, international standards and conformity assessment remain essential.
“They form the foundation of trust in our markets by ensuring safety, reliability, and quality while opening doors to innovation, trade, and economic opportunity,” she said.
Ms. Ngari also highlighted KEBS’ ongoing public awareness campaigns aimed at ensuring manufacturers, traders, and consumers understand and comply with relevant standards.
“Every product must meet Kenyan standards before reaching the market. Consumers can confirm this through the Standardization Mark or Import Standardization Mark displayed on certified products,” she explained.
Kenya’s hosting of the IEC Africa Regional Centre (IEC AFRC) in Nairobi was described as a strategic advantage for the continent.
“Having the IEC’s African office here positions Kenya at the heart of continental standardization efforts,” Ms. Ngari said. “It allows us to participate directly as new international standards are developed, ensuring Africa’s voice and priorities are represented.”
The IEC Africa Conference marks an important milestone in promoting international cooperation on quality infrastructure, standardization, and sustainable industrialization across Africa, strengthening the continent’s participation in the global standards ecosystem.
