Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and National Construction Authority will be held accountable for any collapsed buildings under the affordable housing program in the country, Head of Public Service Felix Kosgei has said.
The move, he says, is aimed at ensuring that the two entities observe the highest quality standards.
According to the head of public service, this is part of the reforms that the government is planning to initiate to enhance the efficiency of its agencies.
“For building equipment, we want to see all the materials meet the standards, we don’t want to see any buildings collapsing because of the quality of materials. We are going to hold you accountable, and we will hold NCA for the engineering part of it,” said Koskei.
Koskei also added that progress has been made in curbing malpractice within state agencies, particularly at the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
Speaking during KEBS 50-year celebrations, the Head of Public Service noted that quality standards play a pivotal role in promoting good governance and enhancing service delivery in Kenya's public sector.
By establishing clear benchmarks for performance, efficiency, and accountability, Koskei observed that standards ensure government services are delivered consistently, transparently, and with integrity, helping streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across public institutions.
"Standards ensure that government services are delivered efficiently, transparently, and with integrity. They are essential in building trust between the public and the government," said Koskei.
However, he acknowledged that rogue officers, especially in operations at ports and the Inland Container Depot (ICD), continue to pose challenges.
To improve transparency, Koskei emphasized the need for state corporations to publish their financial statements and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
"We have developed a policy to ensure all regulatory authorities take their roles seriously. They must review and implement the statutes that established them, clause by clause," he said.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industrialization, Salim Mvurya, said that ensuring standards are observed is key to Kenya’s industrial and manufacturing sector growth.
He noted that initiatives such as County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) will be key in driving innovation and value addition.
"Manufacturing is at the heart of our economic agenda. These parks will stimulate growth, create jobs, and position Kenya as a global industrial leader, but this will only succeed if standards are met at every step," Mvurya emphasised.
KEBS managing director Esther Ngari acknowledged the role of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and importers, in upholding standards.
She also called for continued collaboration in adapting to emerging global challenges, including climate change and the rise of artificial intelligence.
"Standards are not just regulations but a promise to every consumer that the products they use are safe and reliable.
As we celebrate 50 years, we look forward to strengthening partnerships and fostering sustainability in our standards development process," Ngari said.