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KENAS makes history with Africa’s first Biobank accreditation under ISO 20387

Walter Ongeti, CEO KENAS

The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) has launched the continent’s first accreditation program for biobanks under ISO 20387:2018. Speaking at a the workshop, KENAS CEO Walter Ongeti underscored the transformative impact of this initiative, which positions Africa as a global leader in biomedical research and biotechnology

Biobanks play a critical role in medical and scientific research, storing biological samples essential for advancements in genomics, drug development, cancer treatment, and public health interventions. However, ensuring the quality and integrity of these samples has been a longstanding challenge. With accreditation under ISO 20387:2018, African biobanks will now meet international standards, reinforcing credibility and enabling increased global partnerships.

“This training marks a historic moment for KENAS and Africa,” said Jumangeti. “By offering formal accreditation for biobanks, we are setting a new benchmark for quality and trust in biomedical research across the continent.”

ISO 20387:2018 provides a robust framework for biobank management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards. Accreditation under this standard not only enhances the credibility of African research but also creates opportunities for international collaboration.

“Accredited biobanks will become key assets in global research, attracting funding and fostering collaborations with leading institutions worldwide,” added Jumangeti. “This means African scientists can now work on the same playing field as their global counterparts, leading to high-quality clinical trials and groundbreaking medical discoveries.”

The training, conducted in partnership with the British Standards Institute (BSI), is a crucial step in strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure. BSI, a key player in global quality standards, has been instrumental in supporting KENAS in this initiative.

“We are grateful to BSI for their continued support and expertise,” said Ongeti. “Their collaboration underscores the importance of building strong international partnerships to advance accreditation and quality assurance in Africa.”

Beyond biobank accreditation, KENAS is also responsible for accrediting certification bodies, medical laboratories, testing laboratories, and inspection bodies. This extensive role ensures that various sectors in Kenya operate under globally recognized quality and safety standards.

The workshop, which gathered regulators, assessors, and implementers from key institutions such as KEMRI and ILRI, aimed to strengthen technical competencies and implementation strategies. Looking ahead, KENAS envisions an increase in accredited biobanks, boosting Africa’s research capacity and global competitiveness.

However, challenges such as resource constraints remain a concern. “We encourage more stakeholders to express interest in this space,” said Ongeti. “With continued partnerships and investment, we can overcome these hurdles and fully realize the potential of accredited biobanks in transforming healthcare and scientific research.”

The launch of Africa’s first biobank accreditation program marks a defining moment for the continent’s research and healthcare sectors. By setting rigorous quality standards, KENAS is paving the way for Africa to become a key player in global biomedical research.

“This is more than just accreditation—it’s a step toward Africa’s leadership in scientific innovation,” added Ongeti. “Together, we are building a legacy of excellence, trust, and global recognition for African research.”

With this pioneering move, KENAS has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing quality assurance and accreditation in Kenya and beyond. As the continent embraces this new era of scientific progress, the future of African research has never looked brighter.

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