A Milestone for African Quality Infrastructure

The Government of Kenya pledges dedicated land in Nairobi for a purpose-built home for the African Organisation for Standardisation.

In a major boost to continental trade integration, the Government of Kenya has officially announced its commitment to host the permanent headquarters of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) in Nairobi.

Speaking during the official opening of the 32nd ARSO General Assembly in Mombasa, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki revealed that the state will provide land for a custom-designed, fit-for-purpose complex, and Launched the Sustainability and Circular Economy, and subsequently launched the Standards in the following sectors Agroprocessing, Automotive and Pharmaceutical Standards.

Key Highlights from the Announcement

• A Permanent Home for ARSO – The dedicated land in Nairobi will allow ARSO to expand its operations, strengthen its continental influence, and support long-term institutional growth.
• Property Handover Process – Discussions led by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui have identified potential sites, with formal land transfer procedures initiated following the General Assembly.
• Boosting AfCFTA Integration – With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) encompassing a 1.4 billion-person market and a combined GDP of USD 3.4 trillion, harmonized standards are critical to removing Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs).
• Championing “One Standard, One Test, One Certificate” – Deputy President Kindiki emphasized eliminating costly, repetitive product testing across African borders, urging member states to embrace mutual recognition agreements—citing the East African Community (EAC) as a proven blueprint.
• Global Influence – The move aligns with Kenya’s upcoming host role for the 2028 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Annual Meeting in Nairobi, highlighting Africa’s growing voice in global standards development.

Key Quotes

“We are offering ARSO a permanent home from which its vision can flourish, its operations can expand, and its influence can radiate across Africa and the globe. Standards are not simply a measure of quality; they are instruments of transformation.”

— H.E. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya

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“Intra-African trade currently stands at approximately 17%, significantly lower than other global regions. Hosting the 32nd General Assembly in Mombasa—historically East Africa’s gateway to international trade—symbolises our shared commitment to bridging this gap.”

— Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry