New era of quality standards for SMEs

In the quiet moments before dawn, a small-scale Kenyan business owner inspects her products, ensuring each one meets her standards of excellence. Across the country, a young entrepreneur chooses sustainable materials, committed to delivering safe, quality products to the market. For these dedicated businesspeople and the thousands of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya, quality is not a checkbox; It is a mission.

In a landscape where trust, resilience, and growth are paramount, quality stands as a vital pillar of stability and a powerful launchpad for progress. As we celebrate World Quality Week under the theme “Quality: from Compliance to Performance,” we reaffirm our commitment to recognizing the transformative power of quality in driving economic change.
This shift from compliance to performance is particularly essential for MSMEs, which represent nearly 40 per cent of Kenya’s GDP and are the backbone of job creation across the nation. Today, these enterprises are not simply meeting compliance standards; they are aspiring to make quality synonymous with growth, enhancing global competitiveness and fostering consumer trust.

For MSMEs, meeting quality standards is often perceived as a challenge. However, when viewed through the lens of opportunity, compliance transforms into a pathway to growth and market differentiation. Quality certification, especially within local markets, has a significant role in this journey, serving as a badge of trust that assures consumers their purchases meet the highest standards.

Quality standards equip businesses with the resources they need to thrive, contributing to the continued growth of Kenya’s economy. Certification becomes more than a regulatory formality; it’s a means of survival and, more importantly, a channel for growth. Through certification, Kenyan products gain the credibility to reach larger markets, allowing them to compete in both regional and global arenas. As these businesses expand, Kenya’s economy also grows.

The shift from compliance to performance signals a deep commitment to embedding quality into every aspect of operations. This transformation is evident in KEBS National Quality Institute (NQI) and other initiatives aimed at helping business leaders and employees cultivate a quality-focused culture. These programs train MSMEs in the practical aspects of implementing quality standards, emphasising a hands on approach that goes beyond theoretical knowledge.

Quality-focused training forges paves the way to consistent improvement, ensuring that standards are not only met but also sustained and elevated over time. When businesses consider quality as a performance metric rather than a compliance requirement, they create a cycle of continuous improvement that supports innovation and excellence.
Today’s consumers increasingly seek products that reflect their values, particularly in the areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. MSMEs are in a unique position to meet these demands by integrating sustainable practices into their production processes. Standards are evolving to include sustainability metrics, making compliance about safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. This shift is particularly relevant to industries like cosmetics, fashion, and food, where both ethical sourcing and production transparency have become powerful differentiators.

A quality framework that emphasizes innovation and sustainability provides MSMEs with the tools to become leaders in sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy, and eco-friendly manufacturing. When standards prioritize both quality and environmental impact, MSMEs can confidently innovate, knowing their products will meet consumer expectations and align with global trends.

In markets where counterfeit and substandard products often compromise consumer trust, quality certification is a decisive advantage for businesses looking to distinguish themselves. Certification serves as an unspoken promise between the business and the consumer—a signal that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets both safety and quality standards. For MSMEs, this seal of approval is essential to building a loyal customer base.

For MSMEs aiming to reach international markets, quality standards provide an invaluable stepping stone. International markets increasingly prioritize compliance with stringent quality and safety regulations, which can serve as both a barrier and an opportunity for Kenyan businesses.

Partnerships with organizations like the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) are essential in bridging local standards with global expectations. As MSMEs gain traction in regional markets through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), quality standards become the key to unlocking international growth opportunities. This alignment allows MSMEs to scale efficiently, benefiting both the local economy and their ability to create jobs domestically.

As we celebrate World Quality Week under the theme “Quality: from Compliance to Performance,” the journey toward achieving quality has become increasingly crucial. For MSMEs across Kenya, the support and guidance provided through quality standards are transformative. These standards empower MSMEs to not only comply with regulations but also to excel and perform at levels that attract investment, create jobs, and drive the economy progress. This commitment to performance is about far more than compliance; it’s about raising the bar for Kenyan products and building a future where quality becomes Kenya’s hallmark on the global stage.

- Esther is the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards.