Kenya on Tuesday joined the rest of the world in marking the annual World Metrology Day.
The day is celebrated annually on May 20 of each year.
The day that was marked in Nairobi celebrated 150 years since its
inception.
Metrology is a science of measurement, a field that is important to
ensuring accuracy, safety and reliability across all sectors of life, including
healthcare, manufacturing, trade, agriculture, infrastructure and environment.
This year’s event was held under the theme, 'Measurement for all times, for all people'.
The day was marked to highlight the importance of accurate measurement in every aspect
of society, past, present and the future of life.
Speaking during the event, Esther Ngari, the managing director Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), acknowledged the importance of measurement in everyday life.
"This year’s theme is both timely and inclusive. It challenges us to reflect not only on the consistency and universality of measurements, but also on their critical role in safeguarding lives, enabling trade, powering innovation and protecting consumers across all sectors and all corners of society," Ngari said.
"As we mark World Metrology Day, we are reminded that metrology is not a luxury of laboratories but a public good, central to safety, fairness, and national development," she said.
She emphasised that a nation built on a culture of precision, which
is a result of measurement, is a nation focused on prosperity.
She added that in today’s world, where economies are increasingly digital
and globally connected, precision is the new currency because a small degree of
error can lead to significant danger in food and vaccine production.
“At KEBS, we see this transformation
firsthand. Our role goes beyond setting standards. We ensure that Kenya’s
measurement systems are aligned with international standards, enabling our
businesses to compete globally. We calibrate, verify and maintain reference
standards across sectors, acting as a bridge between innovation and
implementation.”
Trade and Investments PS Dr Juma Mukhwana, who graced this year’s event, appreciated
the fundamental role
that accurate and reliable measurements play in every aspect of modern life.
"This year’s theme reminds us that measurements are universal; they affect every person, every day, whether they realise it or not. From the food we eat to the fuel in our cars, the medicine we take, to the power that lights our homes, we rely on accurate measurements to live safely, fairly and productively," Mukhwana said.
"It also
reminds us of our responsibility to ensure that these measurements are
accessible and equitable, not only in laboratories and urban centers, but in
every corner of our country.”
He said the ministry recognises this vital role and is actively working to strengthen the national metrology system.
He said that through the Metrology Department at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the government is committed to safeguarding and ensuring accurate and credible measurements across the country.
