About Us
KEBS Metrology
About Metrology
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was established in 1974 with an integrated approach to standardisation: Metrology, Standards, and conformity assessment (Testing, Certification, etc.).
Metrology is defined as the science of measurement and its applications. Inadequate maintenance of machines in the industry is detrimental to business because it leads to unexpected stoppage of work, expensive damage, loss of production, and unwarranted accidents to personnel. Continuous calibration of equipment/measuring instruments and interpretation of data indicating the state and correctness of the equipment is the best solution to these problems.
Reliable And Traceable Measurement
The National Measurement Standards maintained at the Kenya Bureau are traceable to International Systems of Units (SI).
These National Measurement Standards are used to calibrate and monitor the secondary standards, which in turn calibrate and monitor the numerous working standards and equipment used in the industry.
These National Measurement Standards are used to calibrate and monitor the secondary standards, which in turn calibrate and monitor the numerous working standards and equipment used in the industry.
Kenya’s Calibration Measurement Capabilities
Kenya, through the Kenya Bureau of Standards Metrology Department, has published Calibration Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) on the BIPM Key Comparison Database (KCDB). These CMCs establish the traceability of measurements in Kenya to the International System of Units (SI).
Accreditation information
KEBS Metrology department is accredited to ISO/IEC17025:2017 by the German Accreditation Agency (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH – DAKKS).
History
The KEBS Metrology Department began its operations in 1977, recruiting seven staff members who were sent for training at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany. This pioneering team—comprising Walter Okoko, Samuel Obaga, John Mureithi, the late Kakai Kuteli, Samuel Onwong’a, Daniel Musuva, and Laban Mwashe—laid the foundation for the department, officially launching it in 1979. During this initial phase, PTB was crucial in supporting KEBS Metrology through construction, equipment provision, training, and financial assistance. PTB endorsed the department’s training and development initiatives for over eighteen months into the mid-1990s. PTB remains a key partner, sponsoring ongoing training programs and other KEBS Metrology activities. A recent example of this partnership is PTB’s support in hosting the 2024 AFRIMETS General Assembly.
Over the years, KEBS Metrology has also gained the support of other international organisations. Most notably, the International Atomic Energy Agency has been a key partner since the early 2000s, providing much-needed support in acquiring measurement standards and training for the ionising radiation laboratory. The Metrology Department has evolved seamlessly under the guidance of various leaders since the first head, Elam Songole. Their collective leadership has shaped the department into what it is today, with each bringing unique insights and invaluable expertise that have fuelled the growth of metrology in Kenya.
Key achievements
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