‘Kenya to become Africa’s industrial hub’

Industrialisation Principal Secretary Wilson Songa

NAIROBI: The Industrialisation ministry is working towards transforming Kenya into Africa’s industrial hub.

Industrialisation Principal Secretary Wilson Songa said the ministry was working with the private sector to improve the business environment.

He said this would only be achieved through setting and implementing high standards.

“I commend the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) for the work they have put in and for providing standardised solutions for sustainable development. These efforts have been undertaken in partnership with the private sector to transform Kenya into a primary industrial hub of Africa,” Dr Songa said.

Speaking in a ceremony to mark the World Standards Day in Nairobi, the PS said entrepreneurs should continuously enforce local standards in order to keep the business environment aligned to international best practices.

He said this year’s theme “Standards: The World’s Common Language” is a reminder of the critical role standards play to facilitate trade and economic growth.

“Kebs today operates in a global sphere, which necessitates adoption of sophisticated tactics that will ensure optimal delivery. Compliance with international, regional or national standards is critical, not only for fair competition in various domestic and regional markets, but also for creating a presence in export markets,” he said.