KACTL: Launch of a New Association for Commercial Testing Laboratories Kenya Aimed at Building Consumer Trust in Products

By Michael Ndere, Industrial Chemist., And Tito Kodiaga, MD, LabWorks EA.

In recent years, Kenya has faced growing concerns over the safety and quality of consumer products, especially following alarming reports of heavy metals in food items such as vegetables, grains, and processed products. These incidents have sparked public outrage and highlighted a pressing need for stricter quality control measures to safeguard public health. In response to these challenges, testing and quality assurance stakeholders have come together to form the Kenya Association for Commercial Testing Laboratories (KACTL). This new association aims to build consumer trust, enhance product safety, and ensure accountability in the market.

The Need for KACTL

Kenya’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, with food products forming a significant portion of exports and domestic consumption. However, contamination cases, including excessive levels of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of current testing systems. These contaminants pose severe health risks, including neurological damage, cancer, and developmental issues in children.

Despite the existence of regulatory bodies such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the gap in independent, reliable testing facilities has been evident. This gap has led to inconsistent product quality and diminished consumer confidence. KACTL seeks to bridge this gap by uniting commercial testing laboratories under a common framework to uphold high standards, transparency, and accountability.

Objectives of KACTL

The formation of KACTL is driven by a mission to create a robust, trustworthy system for product testing and quality assurance. The association’s key objectives include:

1. Standardization of Testing Practices:

• Develop and implement standardized testing procedures across member laboratories to ensure consistent and accurate results.
• Align with international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory quality management.

1. Consumer Protection:

• Provide reliable and independent testing services to identify contaminants, adulterants, and other safety risks in consumer products.
• Partner with regulatory bodies to enforce product safety compliance.

1. Building Trust through Transparency:

• Publish regular reports on product safety trends and testing results to inform and reassure the public.
• Establish a certification mark for products tested and verified by KACTL member laboratories.

1. Capacity Building:

• Invest in training and capacity development for laboratory professionals to ensure technical expertise and competence.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among local and international experts.

1. Advocacy and Awareness:

• Advocate for stronger policies and regulations on product testing and quality assurance.
• Conduct public awareness campaigns on the dangers of heavy metal contamination and the importance of quality testing.

Structure and Membership

KACTL is open to all commercial testing laboratories operating in Kenya, including those specializing in food safety, environmental testing, pharmaceutical analysis, and industrial quality control. Membership benefits include access to training programs, policy advocacy participation, and collaboration on research and development projects.

The association will also include an advisory board comprising representatives from academia, regulatory agencies, consumer advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders. This diverse board will provide strategic direction and ensure that KACTL’s initiatives are aligned with national and international priorities.

Expected Impact

The establishment of KACTL is expected to have far-reaching benefits for Kenya, including:

• Improved Public Health: By identifying and addressing contamination risks, KACTL will help reduce exposure to harmful substances in food and other consumer products.
• Enhanced Consumer Confidence: A certification from KACTL-affiliated labs will serve as a trusted mark of quality, reassuring consumers about the safety of the products they purchase.
• Support for Export Markets: By meeting international quality standards, Kenyan products will gain greater acceptance in global markets, boosting the country’s trade potential.
• Strengthened Regulatory Framework: Collaboration between KACTL and government agencies will lead to more effective enforcement of product safety regulations.

Call to Action

The launch of the Kenya Association for Commercial Testing Laboratories marks a pivotal step toward ensuring the safety and quality of consumer products in Kenya. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and the general public.

Consumers are encouraged to demand products that meet verified safety standards, while businesses should embrace independent testing as a critical component of their quality assurance processes. Together, we can create a safer, healthier future for all Kenyans.

Conclusion

As Kenya continues to grow and modernise, addressing the issue of product safety has become more important than ever. The formation of KACTL demonstrates a proactive approach to rebuilding consumer trust and protecting public health. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and innovation, KACTL is poised to make a significant impact on the quality of products available in the Kenyan market and beyond.