The recent adoption of the African Mark of Quality at the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) in Mombasa signifies a monumental step towards enhancing trade across the continent. This new certification framework, which aims to facilitate trade for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), will allow products to be exported across African nations without the need for repetitive testing at every border. This initiative emerges at a critical time, as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki highlighted that intra-African trade currently languishes at a mere 17%, primarily due to fragmented regulatory barriers spread across 54 countries.
Kenyan products, notably Mursik—a fermented milk drink cherished by the Kalenjin community—and Mukombero, a widely utilized herbal root in Western Kenya, are poised to reach consumers in major cities like Lagos, Rabat, and Johannesburg. The standardization of product certification is expected to dismantle the trade barriers that have historically hindered the distribution of these iconic Kenyan goods across the continent.
During the assembly, Deputy President Kindiki reiterated the government's commitment to fostering a more unified African market by addressing the existing regulatory silos that impede trade. He emphasized the economic burden placed on small businesses due to duplicated testing requirements, stating, "This burden of duplicated tests is a burden to SMEs and for the take-off of Africa in wealth creation." In a bid to further support this initiative, Kindiki announced plans for the government to allocate land in Nairobi for a permanent headquarters for ARSO, showcasing a long-term commitment to advancing regional trade efforts.
Dr. Chris Wamalwa, Chair of the National Standards Council, expressed optimism regarding the potential of Kenyan products in broader African markets now that a unified quality mark is established. He asserted that there should be no reason why products like Mukombero and Mursik cannot be sold throughout Africa, aligning this initiative with Kenya's aspiration to become a regional economic powerhouse.
Moreover, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui urged fellow African nations to eliminate commercial barriers, advocating for a renewed dialogue focused on dismantling trade restrictions. KEBS Director General Esther Ngari added that the shared certification will enhance confidence among trading nations, ensuring that once a product is tested, it should not require further validation at each border.
As a testament to the efficacy of this new framework, ARSO Secretary General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana announced that over 350 products and more than 200 SMEs have already been certified under the new system, marking a promising start for the initiative.
On a final note, the assembly appointed Head of Public Service Felix Koskei as the Africa Goodwill Ambassador for ARSO, with a mission to engage former leaders who champion the organization’s objectives, including Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo. This strategic move aims to further galvanize support for the ARSO's goals and enhance the overall landscape of trade within Africa.
As reported by tuko.co.ke.
