In November 2025, we had the privilege to participate in the International Accreditation Conference 2025, held this year in Mombasa, Kenya. The event brought together accreditation bodies, conformity assessment professionals, regulators and industry leaders from across Africa and around the world.
Designed as a strategic platform for dialogue, innovation and collaboration, the conference centered on the theme: “Shaping Global Accreditation Practices for Excellence and Trust”.
Among the attendees were Anselm Riungu, Multi Lab Technical & Operations Manager, and Caroline Chege, Team Lead & Senior Analyst, who represented SGS and contributed to expert discussions throughout the event.
Driving the Future of Quality Infrastructure
The conference’s agenda reflected the rapidly evolving landscape of accreditation and conformity assessment. Expert panels and presentations focused on some of the industry’s most pressing topics such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence in conformity assessment, sustainability and green compliance.
Preparing for the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated
Although the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated was officially announced in 2024, its upcoming operational start on 1 January 2026 was an important point of discussion at the conference. This organization will replace both the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), unifying global accreditation in one place.
The presence of Eng. Brahim Houla, the chair-elect of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, provided valuable perspective on the transition and the future direction of global accreditation systems. Delegates emphasized that this new framework will enhance harmonization, improve international recognition and strengthen trust throughout the conformity assessment ecosystem.
SGS: A Trusted Partner in Quality, Safety and Sustainability
In Kenya, SGS continues to uphold the highest levels of technical competence, validated through multiple international accreditations:
1. Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS)
- ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for inspection activities
- ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 for management system certification
2. South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing laboratories
These accreditations reflect SGS Kenya’s unwavering commitment to national and global quality requirements.
The year 2025 marks a major milestone: 75 years of SGS operations in Kenya. Since 1950, SGS has supported the country’s industries, exporters, importers and regulators with trusted, science-based solutions. This anniversary underscores decades of innovation, growth and partnership within Kenya’s evolving quality ecosystem.
Strengthening Trust, Shaping the Future
SGS’s participation in the International Accreditation Conference 2025 in Kenya reinforces the company’s continued leadership in promoting excellence, credibility and innovation in the conformity assessment sector.
Through shared expertise, forward-looking dialogue and a strong foundation of accredited services, we remain committed to supporting Kenya and the region in building a safer, more sustainable and more trusted future.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
