By The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening scientific and technical cooperation in standards enforcement and promoting trade between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Nairobi on July 30, 2025, by UNBS Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa and KEBS Managing Director Mrs. Esther Ngari. The ceremony was graced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and President William Ruto of Kenya, who witnessed the signing.
According to UNBS, the pact establishes a framework for cooperation in areas including standardization, conformity assessment, metrology, and training. It is expected to enhance regional trade, improve market access, and support industrial development in both nations.
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“This MoU marks a significant milestone in strengthening our bilateral ties through the lens of quality assurance,” said Eng. Kasigwa. “Together, we will work to align our national standards with global benchmarks and ease the flow of goods and services across our borders.”
The agreement also commits Uganda and Kenya to harmonize their national standards with international guidelines and to collaborate at both national and international levels on matters of standardization. As part of the deal, the two agencies will share documents, procedures, and technical information on the formulation and implementation of standards.
In a bid to improve certification processes, the MoU includes a clause for mutual recognition of quality marks and test reports based on harmonized East African Community (EAC) standards. This means a product certified in Uganda could be automatically accepted in Kenya and vice versa, reducing duplication and easing trade bottlenecks.
The two sides also agreed to collaborate on inspection protocols by benchmarking their procedures, sharing data on product risk assessments, and improving automation through risk profiling systems. Additionally, laboratory cooperation will include sharing operational procedures, test methodologies, and jointly developing lab infrastructure that meets international standards.
Joint research in metrology the science of measurement will be pursued, along with regular training exchanges. Personnel from both countries will undergo cross-border training in standardization, conformity assessment, and quality control practices.
Mrs. Esther Ngari of KEBS emphasized the importance of such cooperation in unlocking economic potential. “This partnership underscores our commitment to a single market vision in East Africa. By strengthening trust in each other’s systems, we lay a strong foundation for industrial and economic growth,” she noted.
The MoU reflects a growing trend in the region to harmonize regulatory frameworks, reduce non-tariff barriers, and make trade more efficient under the East African Community’s integration agenda.
The collaboration between UNBS and KEBS is set to benefit not just the two countries, but also manufacturers, traders, and consumers across the region who rely on high-quality, safe, and reliable products.
