By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya — November 4, 2025:
Kenya reaffirmed its role as a regional leader in standardization this week as it hosted the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)-Africa Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The high-level event, marking ten years of the IEC’s presence on the continent, brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss Africa’s growing role in global standardization and the future of sustainable electrification.
Speaking during the event, IEC President Jo Cops underscored the need for Africa to move from being a participant to 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 emphasized. “For the IEC to truly be an international standards organization, we need all African countries to 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 said. “Our standards cover everything from traditional grids to renewable energy and interconnection systems, ensuring reliable and sustainable access for all.”
On her part, Ms Esther Ngari, Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), 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 explained. “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 decisive and visionary step — a commitment to strengthening Africa’s voice within the global electrotechnical community,” she said. “Over the past decade, this Centre has been more than just an office; it has been a catalyst for collaboration and a vital bridge connecting African institutions with the broader IEC family.”
She further noted that as Africa embraces clean energy, digital transformation, and industrial growth, international standards and conformity assessment remain indispensable. “They are the foundation of trust in our markets — ensuring safety, reliability, and quality — while opening doors to innovation, trade, and economic opportunity,” she remarked.
Ms Ngari also emphasized the bureau’s ongoing public awareness campaigns to ensure that manufacturers, traders, and consumers understand and comply with relevant standards. “Every product must comply with Kenyan standards before it reaches the market. Consumers can verify this through the Standardization Mark or Import Standardization Mark (ISM) displayed on certified products,” she noted.
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 sit at the table as new international standards are developed, ensuring Africa’s voice and priorities are represented.”
The IEC-Africa Conference marks a significant milestone in promoting international cooperation on quality infrastructure, standardization, and sustainable industrialization across Africa — a vital step in ensuring the continent’s active participation in the global standards ecosystem.
