Makueni County government has invited the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) to explore ways of partnering with the devolved unit to enhance service delivery.
The move was mooted during a courtesy call by KENAS ahead of a planned public participation forum to decide on the proposal in line with the 2010 constitution requirements.
This follows the tabling of a bill that makes accreditation mandatory in Kenya.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the delegation, led by Doris Mueni Mengo, the Manager for Medical Laboratories Accreditation at KENAS. The team will undertake a public participation exercise in Wote on Thursday, January 15, as part of consultations on the proposed KENAS Bill.
The proposed bill requires laboratories, inspection bodies and certification agencies to obtain accreditation in line with internationally recognised standards, strengthening quality assurance, public safety and access to international markets.
The County expressed interest in deepening collaboration with KENAS, particularly in accrediting public health laboratories and agricultural value chains as it would improve the quality and credibility of diagnostic services in its health facilities and enhance competitiveness of its agricultural produce.
Mulili said the process would help ensure that Makueni products, such as mangoes and other horticultural produce, meet international market requirements.
KENAS is the national body mandated to provide accreditation services in Kenya and is a signatory to international mutual recognition arrangements, which allow accredited institutions in Kenya to have their results accepted globally.
