The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) is the national accreditation body established by the Kenya Accreditation Service Act, 2019 to accredit organisations that provide; certification, testing, inspection and calibration services, in line with internationally Standards and guidelines. These organisations are generally referred to as known as Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
Accreditation is an independent confirmation that a CAB is competent to carry out the declared specific conformity assessment services.
Accreditation is globally recognized as a universal tool to deliver confidence and ensure the competence, impartiality and performance capability of accredited organisations across 105 countries. Accreditation though voluntary in nature may be made mandatory through laws and regulations.
KENAS accredits CABs that provide services in General Testing, Calibration, Medical Testing, Proficiency Testing, Veterinary Testing, Inspection and Certification.
Certification – the provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements.
Accreditation – the formal recognition by an independent body, generally known as an accreditation body that a certification or inspection body and testing laboratories operates according to international standards.
The Accreditation process should take approximately four (4) months. The process involves:
- Filling of an application form
- Upon receipt of the application the technical team review said application
- A Team is appointed to conduct the Assessment
- Once assessment is conducted a report is generated recommending accreditation be granted.
- The letter granting accreditation and the Certificate are issued to the CAB
A detailed process of accreditation may also be found on our website https://www.kenas.go.ke/accreditation-process/. You may also make request information on the same in writing or via a phone call.
As proof of Accreditation KENAS issues an Accreditation Certificate and a schedule as soon as accreditation is granted. The facility is also published on the website and gazetted quarterly in the Kenya Gazette as proof for continued accreditation.
A CAB is also issued with marks that it includes in its documents that may also serve as proof of accreditation.
There are numerous benefits that an organization will accrue from accreditation. Key among them is that accreditation helps in; Reducing health, safety and environmental risks, eliminates costs for double inspection or testing, improved international recognition and Trade Facilitation.
A detailed explanation of these benefits may also be found on our website, https://www.kenas.go.ke/benefits-of-accreditation/
The Accreditation Cycle lasts for four (4) years.
A surveillance is conducted six (6) months after initial accreditation is granted afterwards surveillance is conducted on an annual basis. An unscheduled surveillance may also be conducted as follow up by KENAS.
An assessment for re-accreditation is carried out at least six (6) months before the lapse of the four (4) years.
The Act grants KENAS authority to sanction a CAB with Suspension or Withdrawal of accreditation. Suspension is up to a period of six (6) months and withdrawal is more long-term. A CAB may be sanctioned due to its failure to comply to the directions of the service and accreditation requirements that are found in the Act, relevant standards and documents governing an accreditation scheme as well as the accreditation agreement
KENAS is a full member of the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC), International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and International Accreditation Forum (IAF). This membership ensures that the certificates issued are accepted around the world. Hence the slogan,”Tested, Inspected and Certified once Accepted everywhere”
Yes. KENAS does have trainings planned half yearly. Detailed list of the trainings available on the website https://www.kenas.go.ke/training-calendar/ .KENAS also conducts inhouse trainings tailored to the needs of an organization upon request.
KENAS is mandated by the Accreditation Act of 2019 to publish a list of its accredited clients on its website and, on a quarterly basis, KENAS is required to publish a list of its accredited clients in the Kenya Gazette. A list of the client, if accredited should be on the website https://kenas.go.ke/cabs/ and in the Kenya Gazette.
KENAS also issues a Certificate and Schedule upon accreditation. You may therefore request a CAB to present these documents for confirmation.
KENAS is committed to offering quality services.in the spirit offering quality services KENAS has set out to respond to complaints or enquiries immediately if done verbally by visiting the office or on phone call. KENAS has committed to respond to written enquiries within five (5) business days. These timelines are clearly set out in the service charter which is currently in place and available on the website https://www.kenas.go.ke/service-charter/.
A CAB may promote its accreditation in any manner it prefers as long as it does not breach its contractual agreement with KENAS. Some of the most common ways CABs promote their accreditations by using the accreditation marks in its test results.
The cost of accreditation comprises of Application fees, Document Review fees and Assessment fees
The cost of accreditation varies according on the number of scopes for which one is accredited, the range of services provided, the location of the CAB, and the complexity of the Assessment being undertaken.
Upon receiving a written request, a quote may be provided.
A detailed schedule of the gazetted fees is available on the website https://www.kenas.go.ke/accreditation-fees/
An Accreditation Appeals Tribunal has been established in the Act to hear and determine appeals emanating from the decisions of KENAS on accreditation. Any appeal should be made in writing to the Tribunal through the Chief Executive Officer.