By Shadrack Nyakoe
Kenya has called for increased investment in metrology systems and the integration of measurement science into policymaking as the country marked World Metrology Day 2026 in Nairobi.
The celebrations, themed “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making,” brought together government officials, scientists, regulators, industry players and development partners to examine the critical role of accurate measurements in governance, trade and industrial development.
Although Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui and Principal Secretary for Industry Juma Mukhwana were absent, they were represented by Industrialisation Secretary Erastus Gatebe and Dr. Rotich from the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Rotich emphasized that trusted measurements are essential in shaping effective public policy, noting that sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, climate change, energy and trade rely heavily on accurate and internationally traceable data.
“Good policy requires good data, and good data requires trusted measurements,” he said, adding that reliable measurement systems promote transparency, consumer protection and public confidence in institutions.
He further noted that Kenya continues to strengthen its global standing in metrology, citing the country’s leadership roles as President of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) and Chair of the Pan African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI).
Dr. Rotich revealed that Kenya, through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), has established more than 20 specialized metrology laboratories to support manufacturing, healthcare, environmental monitoring and scientific research.
Among the major milestones highlighted during the commemoration was the installation of an advanced Cobalt-60 radiotherapy calibration system, making Kenya the first country in East Africa capable of calibrating cancer treatment equipment locally.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Dr. Mukhwana described metrology as a strategic pillar of economic growth and regulatory efficiency, saying the strength of a country’s economy is directly linked to the quality of its measurement systems.
“Metrology is not confined to laboratories; it is present in fuel pumps, medical devices, agricultural exports and the digital systems shaping our modern economy,” he said.
The Principal Secretary called for closer collaboration among regulators, laboratories, accreditation bodies and policymakers to ensure measurement science is fully integrated into national planning and enforcement systems.
Esther Ngari, the Managing Director of KEBS, said measurements form the invisible infrastructure underpinning global commerce, innovation, climate governance and industrial competitiveness.
“Measurements build confidence, accountability and fairness, and ultimately they build trust in institutions and policymaking,” she said.
National Standards Council Chairman Chris Wamalwa noted that many people interact with metrology daily without realizing it, whether when buying fuel, receiving medical treatment or trading goods across borders.
“When measurements are trusted, policies gain legitimacy, institutions become stronger and societies become more stable,” said Dr. Wamalwa, as stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Kenya’s quality infrastructure and advancing evidence-based policymaking.
