Govt Chemist formally receives ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation certificate

The Government Chemist Department in Kenya formally received its ISO/IEC 17025 Testing Laboratory Accreditation Certificate from the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) in June 2026. This significant milestone strengthens confidence in the scientific evidence used for criminal investigations, court proceedings, public health decisions, and regulatory enforcement.

The accreditation process, which lasted nearly three years, confirms that the lab's services meet internationally recognized requirements for technical competence, quality, and impartiality. Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, congratulated the Department's leadership and staff, highlighting that their work extends beyond police support to serve various government institutions, private organizations, and citizens.

Dr. Omollo emphasized that the certification will enhance the Government Chemist experts' ability to defend their reports in court and improve confidence in the scientific evidence presented in legal proceedings. The Department, under the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, plays a crucial role in forensic science and analytical laboratory services, supporting justice administration, public health, environmental protection, national security, consumer protection, and regulatory enforcement.

The accreditation also bolsters the Judiciary's and Attorney-General's Office's confidence in expert scientific testimony. Dr. Omollo cautioned that maintaining accreditation requires continuous adherence to standards, as withdrawal could occur if requirements are not met. He urged government institutions to view the Government Chemist Department as a shared national scientific capability, promoting collaboration to ensure efficient use of public resources and better value for money.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, noted that the accreditation validates the Department's appropriate systems, equipment, chemicals, and competent personnel. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new phase in the Department's role as a national center of scientific expertise and research, requiring ongoing investment in human-resource development to address emerging scientific threats.