The Kenya Bureau of Standards and ASTM International have continued to build on the successful relationship formed when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2005.

Founded in 1974, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) provides internationally recognized standards, measurements and conformity assessment solutions that meet customer needs in Kenya.  Standards departments at KEBS include Food and Agriculture, Chemical, Service and Engineering.

Since 2005, KEBS has adopted, adapted or referenced several ASTM International standards for paint, petroleum, steel, consumer products and more.  Each year, MOU signatories provide an annual report to ASTM that details their use of ASTM standards over the past year.  This year, KEBS reported that a total of 99 ASTM International standards were referenced in the development of Kenya national standards. The majority of these ASTM standards were for petroleum products and lubricants.

“The increase in the number of ASTM standards referenced by the industry and government institutions in Kenya is a clear testimony to the role of standards in facilitation of trade and technology transfer for a developing country like Kenya,” says Eva Oduor, director, standards development and international trade at KEBS. 

As a benefit of the MOU program, technical experts can participate freely as full voting members in the ASTM standards development process. Nearly 20 individuals from Kenya currently participate in ASTM member activities, and several are student members.

KEBS has also taken advantage of the many online tools ASTM offers to its MOU partners. “The collaboration between KEBS and ASTM has facilitated the use of advanced technology both in industry and government within a relatively short time, as opposed to re-inventing the wheel,” says Oduor.

Initiated in 2001, ASTM International's MOU program promotes communication between ASTM International and national standards bodies worldwide, fostering awareness of the standardization systems of all parties involved. The purpose of the program is to increase greater worldwide participation in the ASTM standards development process and facilitate the development of national standards that will aid health, safety, and environmental and economic conditions. More information on the MOU program can be found on the ASTM International Web site (www.astm.org/GLOBAL).

ASTM Staff Contact: Teresa Cendrowska, Phone: 610-832-9718; tcendrow@astm.org

Release #8712