6th November 2014

Boma Hotel

Nairobi, Kenya

Standards in Formal Education

Report of the 1st PUBLIC LECTURE onSTANDARDIZATION IN EDUCATION

The report contains Key issues from the presentations made during the one day conference, plenarydiscussions and recommendations.

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Contents

Background.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3Session 1. Official Opening Ceremony............................................................................................................................. 5Speech of Kenya Bureau of Standards Managing Director. .................................................................................. ...5Speech of ARSO Secretary General ................................................................................................................................... 6Session II. Summaries of presentation ..................................................................................................................... 7Standards in formal education .......................................................................................................................................... 7Education about standardization ..................................................................................................................................... 9Standardization as a catalyst for research and innovation ..........................................................................................11International standardization ..........................................................................................................................................13African standards harmonization model.....................................................................................................................14Interactive Session and Recommendations …………………………………………………………………………15

Closing Plenary ....................................................................................................................................................... 17

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BackgroundThis is the first Public Lecture on Standardization Education. The concept was visualized by ARSO; the AfricanOrganization for Standardization and is organized in collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards. ARSOis Africa’s intergovernmental Standards Body with membership drawn from national standards bodies. Themain objective of ARSO is to develop tools for standards development, harmonization and implementation ofthese systems.Standards and education are seen as foundations for the future. Standardization relies on active participationby all sections of society, providing an opportunity for everyone to share knowledge and make their voiceheard. It is founded on engagement and consensus.The challenges that Kenya faces in implementation of existing standards has been the driving force of theconference. Various sector standards, including for instance, food, construction and environmental, allrequire expert skills and participation to be effective. There is need to understand the benefitsstandardization offers to the business world. The full involvement of the education sector in research andcollaboration in the development of standards is hence of great importance. The conference is aimed atimpacting academic institutions, curriculum developers and other players in the education sector. It isexpected that the industry will get involved and that standards will be integrated into education systems at alllevels.This Report contains a summary of the presentations and discussions during the 1st Public Lecture onEducation standardization. The Lecture was attended by delegates from academic institutions and theeducation sector.A total of 60 participants representing both the academic institutions and the industry stakeholders attendedthe workshop. There was good attendance from both the public and private sectors as can be seen from thelist of the organizations that were represented at the workshop given below:Mojdeh R. Tabari Secretary of ISO TC 81, 134,217 - IranDr. Hermogene Nsengimana Secretary General-ARSOMr. Rueben Gisore Technical Director-ARSOFatma Ali Juma Kenya AirwaysEdward N. Mburu MoEST – TVET Authority

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Philip Okungu African Organization for Standardization(ARSO)Walter Akuno Jaramongi Oginga Odinga University of Science and TechnologyHussein Osman Ministry of Education – Education Standards and Quality Assurance CouncilHellen Ogutu ARSO – Conformity AssessmentJohn Kangino Maseno UniversityJustin Kasimu Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)Jackson Musau KLBMunyoki Kyalo Kevin Gretsa UniversityZvidzueni Matina ARSOMercy Odhiambo ARSOIdriss Mariam ARSOEmmanuel Kirwa ARSOChris Mbuvi ARSOKimondo Teresa Kenyatta UniversityMary W. Ngugi KIBDavid Kirui KEBSKiunjuri J.M Ministry of EducationTerry Mueni KEBSVirginia Mutheu Mt. Kenya UniversityRaphael Owake MOH/DFHKaane KEBSWariuha KEBSRosalind Githinji MOESTJ. O Musungu Ministry of EducationAnn Rita Njageh CUEASimon Wachira Tangaza University CollegeDan Kithome ARSOMichael M. Okumu Youth Education NetworkBenedict M. Kilei KISEJacob Mutungi KEBSPatrick Kyunguti Kenya Literature BureauPatricia Kimanthi KEBSSamson Ombok KEBSJackie Olang NASACDavid Mwaniki KLBDiana Ochieng African Eco-labeling MechanismElizabeth Obade Kenya National Examinations CouncilStephen Kimotho KUPPETDr. Veronica Kalungu Africa NazareneDoreen M. Kitheka Kenya HighProfessor Gitonga Meru UniversityDr. Owino Okwiri University of NairobiAgnes Gachau Technical University of KenyaImmaculate Chege KEBSKiprotich Juma ABCSolomon Bukhala Technical Special EducationStephen Maumbe KEBSPatrick Wariua KEBS

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Magaret Nzioka KEBSRobert Muthaura INTERTEKSylvia Mwakachola Nairobi EARCMarsha Setian KEBSProf. Paul K. Mbugua Kenyatta UniversityEvanson Ndungu KEBSPaul Chika KEBSFaith Kweya KEBSSESSION 1Opening Remarks(1) Speech of the Kenya bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director –represented by

He informed the forum that he was representing the KEBS Managing Director who was away on official duty.Mr. Ombok acknowledged the presence and support of ARSO.The Chief Manager Standards, KEBS, then proceeded to read out the speech of the KEBS Managing Director(MD). In the speech, the KEBS MD welcomed all participants to the workshop. He spelled out the theme of theconference as one that seeks to champion education in standardization by creating a quality culture andtapping on potential of embracing standardization education in Africa, in collaboration with stakeholders toensure that standardization education succeeds and delivers benefits to African countries.The MD’s speech highlighted the importance of standardization pointing out that; standards are afundamental building block of society, presenting a common commitment to quality, safety and ethicalpractice. He noted that Educational communities have an important role, alongside business andgovernment, in ensuring that standardization is effective and practical. Their specialized knowledge can forma vital contribution to standards development while integrating the principals of standardization intoeducation curricula allow students to carry them forward into the work place; an investment in the future.

Mr. Samson Ombok, Chief Manager, StandardsDevelopment and International Trade – KEBSMr. Ombok, Chief Manager Standards, KEBS, welcomed all theparticipants to the conference and thanked them for finding timeto attend.

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The MD expressed faith that implementing standards within educational establishments would offerwidespread benefits given the fact that standards can maintain the quality, relevance and effectiveness ofeducation, while also ensuring the safety and sustainability of all the necessary buildings, facilities andprocured services.The MD’s speech highlighted some of the core functions of KEBS. He pointed out that the Kenya Bureau ofStandards is always ready to support the industry by providing standards, quality assurance services,technical advice and consultancy on standardization and conformity assessment. He welcomed all enterprisesto take full advantage of these services. He noted that the law has its role in education and sited the Basiceducation Act, the Universities Act and the technical and vocational education and training Act.He reiterated that the integration of Standards into education systems at all levels is central to KEBSEducation’s aims. The KEBS MD’s speech concluded with an encouragement to all stakeholders to make theirvoice heard, as it is through the full collaboration of the government, business and society that the truebenefits of standardization are realized. Mr. Ombok then declared the conference officially open and wishedall the participants fruitful deliberations.(For Complete Speech Double click here

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(2) Speech of the African Standardization Organization (ARSO) Secretary General

He observed that technology is a tool through which Africa can move forward and Standards are a vehicle totechnology transfer. He asserted that there is a need to participate on the table in which standards are set. Hepointed out that the World Trade Organization recognizes standards once they are set and the world startsusing, especially international standards, as reference standards. For example if a test method is setpromoting use of a particular equipment or technology it will also promote the sale of that technology.In his speech Dr. Nsengimana brought to focus the fact that money is a vital engine in the road to changeAfrica. The African continent has the resources but there is lack of technology to transform these resources.

Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana

The ARSO Secretary General commenced his opening remarks bypointing out the fact that Africa is an educated continent. He notedthat there are more PHD holders in Africa than in any other continentyet this does not seem to help the continent. He raised the question onthe contribution of the elites in the African continent as well as theslow uptake of standards.

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He noted that participation in standardization is a means to influencing technology. Participation instandardization offers a position for stakeholders to present their unique situations so as to influencedecisions made during standards development. He re-emphasized the importance of participation instandardization by exemplifying a situation where standards that are not applicable to the African situationare adopted and cannot be implemented because they do not apply.Dr. Nsengimana informed the participants that a Memorandum of Understanding is being signed by KenyaBureau of Standards (KEBS), African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) and Catholic University ofEastern Africa (CUEA) to start a diploma on standards. After this other universities are going to be implicated.He went on to enlighten participants on the fact that the concept is also being implemented in Cameroon andDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He stated that Korea which starts standardization education at nurserylevel is helping and they have a Memorandum of Understanding with ARSO.Dr. Nsengimana highlighted and elaborated on the mandate of ARSO as well as the objectives and use ofstandards.SESSION 2

ummaries of Work shop Presentations

(1) Standards in Formal Education — Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana — ARSODr. Nsengimana began his presentation by highlighting the role of the African Organization forStandardization (ARSO) which was established in 1977 by UNECA and OAU. He listed the mandate of ARSOwhich includes: harmonization of national and/or sub-regional standards as African Standards and issuanceof necessary recommendations to member bodies, promotion of social, industrial and economic developmentand provision of consumer protection and human safety by advocating and establishing activities concerningstandardization in Africa.The presenter pointed out that ARSO has a role to initiate and co-ordinate the development of AfricanStandards with reference to products which are of strategic importance to Africa as well as promote andcoordinate standardization and conformity assessment practices in Africa and the operation of a regionalcertification marking scheme with a view to certifying the quality of and promoting African products. He

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spelled out the mission statement as facilitation of intra-African and global trade through providingharmonized standards and facilitating implementation of standards.He observed that the priority areas of standards harmonization are closely determined by the continentalinstruments such as Article 49 of the Abuja Treaty for the Establishment of the African Economic Community(AEC Treaty) of 1991 and programmatic areas such as the Decade of Traditional Medicine in the AfricanRegion and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA). He then pointed out that based onthese priorities; ARSO operates 13 broad-based Technical Harmonization Committees (ARSO/THCs).Dr. Nsengimana listed the Technical Harmonization Committees and called attention to three other key areasthat ARSO currently operates which seek to actualize the benefits of standardization. These were listed as:(i) Conformity Assessment focusing on agricultural products, natural resources and African TraditionalMedicine;(ii) ARSO Documentation and Information Standards Network (DISNET) which hosts the ARSOPublishing House and the African Trade Web-Portal;(iii) ARSO Consumer Committee which creates a platform for consumer engagement in standardization.He pointed out that ARSO has been advocating for the adoption of the curriculum on Education onStandardization (EaS) by African higher institutions of learning from 2009. This precipitated by therealization that Africa lacked and continues to lack standardization expertise which is vital in improving theproductivity and competitiveness of African enterprises.In conclusion Dr. Nsengimana assured participants that ARSO, in conjunction with APEX and KEBS will bevery keen to work with CUEA in order to progressively avail the expertise, curricula and reference materialsto upscale Education about Standardization into a globally benchmarked system at par with similar coursesin the EU, USA, Korea and other leading countries globally.(For Complete Presentation Double click here

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(2) Education about Standardization (EaS) — Mr. Reuben Gisore, ARSO TechnicalDirector

This principles apply in the formulation of standards, participation by stakeholders and the ability to offerspace for development and research.The presenter accentuated the aims and objectives of Standardization. Promotion of the overall economy inproduction and exchange of goods and services topped the list. Others included fostering better utilization ofresources and resource efficiency, variety control and fitness for purpose, safety, health and protection ofhuman life, protection of consumer interest through adequate and consistent quality of goods and services,removal of technical barriers to trade, technology transfer and technological cooperation, promotion ofefficient and effective public procurement, as well as eenvironmental protection.Mr. Gisore elaborated that standardization education is education about technical standards, theirdevelopment process, their application and impact. He noted that students in schools or universities ought tobe educated about the fundamentals and implications of standards and conformity assessment to preparethem for their career in government, businesses, standards and conformance related organizations orresearch institutions.He drew attention to the fact that graduates from schools or universities have hardly heard about standardsand conformance in their classes; they rarely recognize its importance or impacts in the real world, and theyare not ready to quickly adapt themselves to relevant job requirements like developing technical standards,or business strategy or trade/regulatory policy related to standards and conformance, which they arenevertheless required to understand.In most cases, older more experienced engineers that also had little formal training in the standards fieldmentor them. Poor practices are then handed down from one generation to the next. The presenter gave an

Mr. Gisore commenced his presentation by defining a standard as a documentthat provides requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that canbe used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and servicesare fit for their purpose and for the achievement of the optimum degree oforder in a given context.He expounded that Standards are applied in all facets of life inluding: technical,social, economic, political, religion and environment. Openness, transparency,coherence, consensus, impartiality, effectiveness, relevance, and developmentdimension were highlighted as principles of standardization.

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example in the building and construction industry where the older engineers issue specifications based onobsolete colonial era standards.Mr. Gisore explained that standardization is important in regional integration in socio-economic, scientificand technological integration in Africa, eeffective participation in global trade as well as control of markets.He pointed out that there is increased reference to standardization as a regulatory instrument by Politicalactors, Economists and Industrialists which can only be coherently maintained with sufficientstandardization expertise in the Socio-economic and political realms and as a means of enhancing innovation.He noted that Education about standards for Africa is vital because it would ensure technical expertise foreffective international standardization to influence content of international standards with African context aswell as value addition and innovation. He pointed out that KEBS has a function to encourage or undertakeeducational work in connection with standardisation and The National Quality Institute has the uniquepotential to take up this responsibility.As he drew his presentation to an end Mr. Gisore graphically explained how thousands of people are injuredeach year while using manufactured substandard products. He highlighted Safety standards addressingchemical stability and safety, microbiological limits.ISO/TR 17276, Cosmetics - Analytical approach for screening and quantification methods for heavy metals in

cosmeticsISO/TR 17276, Cosmetics - Analytical approach for screening and quantification methods for heavy metals in

cosmeticsISO 17516, Cosmetics - Microbiology - Microbiological limitsISO 18416, Cosmetics - Microbiology - Detection of Candida albicansISO 22716, Cosmetics - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) - Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices

He also gave an example of a fire accident caused by electrical fault at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA), Kenya early on Wednesday 07th August 2013 grounding flights and leaving thousands of passengersincluding high-season holidaymakers stranded. He highlighted Safety standards addressing fire detection,prevention and protection.IEC 60364 series: Low-voltage electricalinstallationsIEC 61140 Protection against electricshock - Common aspects for installationand equipment

IEC 60449 Voltage bands for electrical installations of buildingsISO/TS 13447, Fire safety engineering — Guidance for use of firezone modelsISO 16732-1, Fire safety engineering — Fire risk assessmentISO/TS 16733, Fire safety engineering — Selection of design firescenarios and design firesISO 23932, Fire safety engineering — General principlesIEC 60364 series: Low-voltage electrical installations

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IEC 61140 Protection against electric shock - Common aspects forinstallation and equipmentIEC 60449 Voltage bands for electrical installations of buildingsISO/TS 13447, Fire safety engineering — Guidance for use of firezone modelsISO 16732-1, Fire safety engineering — Fire risk assessmentISO/TS 16733, Fire safety engineering — Selection of design firescenarios and design firesISO 23932, Fire safety engineering — General principles

Mr. Gisore brought his presentation to a close by giving an illustration of the road map for standardizationEducation. He also gave highlights on International Cooperation for Education about Standardization which isa network of individuals and organizations interested in education about standardization.

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Roadmap for Lifelong Standardization Education

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HigherEducation

StandardsSkills

InternationalStandards

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Formal EducationLearn to know/Knowledge Oriented

Post-Formal EducationLearn to do/Skill Oriented/Biz Practices

StandardsOlympiad

UniversityProgram

Writing SkillsStrategic

Application

Fun Standards

GlobalLeader

Training

OpenWorkshop

1. Framework of Education about Standardization

Education About Standardization (EaS)

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(3) Standardization as a catalyst for research and innovation — Mr. ReubenGisore, ARSO Technical DirectorMr. Gisore kicked off his presentation by outlining the benefits of innovation. Innovation improvescompetitiveness and growth, solves challenges such as climate change, scarcity of natural resources, healthand security. He called attention to the fact that standards serve as a knowledge base and catalyst forinnovation. He noted that standardization has a positive effect on the entire innovation process, fromfundamental research to marketing of new products. Norms and standards are a source of knowledge forresearch and development, as they reflect the current state of technology as a result of the participation ofnumerous experts in the relevant fields.The presenter gave a graphical illustration of feedback loops highlighting the function of standards. He notedthat terminology standards are required in basic research investigating new technologies; nanotechnologyfor example. They facilitate efficient communication, and also play a crucial role in the transfer of knowledgefrom basic to applied research, where measurement and testing standards are required. He furtherelaborated that the gap between applied research and experimental development of new products andprocesses is bridged by interface standards, which allow interoperability between products. Compatibilitystandards ensure interoperability between products or whole systems, and quality standards guarantee thatthe products comply with minimum safety regulations.Mr. Gisore gave highlights of standardization and innovation linkage explaining that standardization helps tobuild focus, cohesion and critical mass in the emerging stages of technologies and markets. He summarizedthe catalytic function of standards citing reduction of time to market of inventions, research results andinnovative technologies and promotion of the diffusion of innovative products. He noted that the economicimpact of innovation compatibility standards is the basis for innovation in network industries.He wound up his presentation by indicating a way forward recommending: wide diffusions of standards’contents, Inclusion of all potential competitors, science and research and customers, early start ofstandardization in new fields of science, research and emerging markets, focus on performance standardsinstead of design standards as well as establishment of standardisation management as crucial elementwithin innovation and strategic management.

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(4) International Standards Development

The presenter noted that most developing countries do not have information about the importance ofparticipation in standards development. She re-emphasized the need to influence decision making onstandards at the international level. She explained that International Standards make things work. They giveworld-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They areinstrumental in facilitating international trade.In her presentation Mrs. Tabari explained that ISO is the International Organization for standardization. It isan independent, non-governmental membership organization and the world's largest developer of voluntaryInternational Standards. ISO is made up of 165 member countries with a Central Secretariat that is based inGeneva, Switzerland. ISO is a network of national standards bodies. ISO members are the foremost standardsorganizations in their countries and there is only one member per country. ISO has published more than19 500 International Standards covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agricultureand healthcare. ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere. There are 3 368 technical bodiesto take care of standard development. She highlighted popular standards as: ISO 9000 - Quality management,ISO 14000 - Environmental management, ISO 3166 - Country codes, ISO 22000 - Food safety management,ISO 26000 - Social responsibility, ISO 50001 - Energy management, ISO 31000 - Risk management, ISO 20121- Sustainable events and ISO 27001 - Information securityThe presenter went on to explain how ISO develops standards. She explained that standards are developed bythe people that need them, through a consensus process. Experts from all over the world develop thestandards that are required by their sector. This means they reflect a wealth of international experience andknowledge. The management of the technical work is taken care of by the Technical Management Board. Thisbody is also responsible for the technical committees that lead standard development and any strategicadvisory boards created on technical matters. The standards are developed by the technical committees withrepresentation from different countries across the world.

Mrs. Mojdeh R. Tabari — Iran, ISO Secretary to ISO TC 81, 134,217Mrs. Tabari started off by thanking KEBS and ARSO for giving her theopportunity to participate in the forum as an expert. She noted that it iscrucial to share experiences in order to build a better Africa throughinternational standards. She reiterated the importance of developingcountries participating in international standardization. This would helpAfrica to get updated information from the developed countries.

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Mrs. Tabari elaborated that once the need for a standard has been established, these experts meet to discussand negotiate a draft standard. As soon as a draft has been developed it is shared with ISO’s members whoare asked to comment and vote on it. If a consensus is reached the draft becomes an ISO standard, if not itgoes back to the technical committee for further edits. She enumerated the key principles in Internationalstandard development as: response to a need in the market, global expert opinion, multi-stakeholder processand based on a consensus.

The presenter informed participants that she was the TC Secretary of ISO TC 81 -Common names forpesticides and other agrochemicals, ISO TC 134 Fertilizers and soil conditioners, ISO TC 217 Cosmetics. Shethen highlighted the details of developing a standard. She explained that after a new work item is proposedand approved the ISO TC Secretary informs the participating countries on the project leader and a convener is

appointed through a balloting process. The project leader in consultation with other experts will prepare the first

draft. At the Committee Draft (CD) Stage, the Secretariat will circulate the document to all members and announce

that in three months the comments should be sent. If a negative comment is sent, the reason should be explained.

There is an option of skipping the CD stage and Moving to the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS), if one

wants to fast track. At the FDIS stage, members cannot send technical comments.

Mrs. Tabari concluded her presentation by informing participants that ISO Focus is a free magazine that canbe downloaded from the net and information about international standardization can be accessed on the ISOwebsite. http://www.iso.org//(5) African Standards Harmonization Model(ASHAM) — Mr. Reuben Gisore, ARSOTechnical Director

The presentation focused on the harmonization process of African Standards. Mr. Gisore outlined theprinciples of ASHAM as: openness, transparency, impartiality, coherence, consensus, effectiveness andrelevance. He explained that the roles and responsibilities were taken up under ARSO Central Secretariat,Technical Harmonization Committees (THCs), Technical Management Committee (TMC), National StandardsBodies, Establishment of subcommittees, Working Group, Task Force, Chairpersons of THCs andsubcommittees, Technical Harmonization Committee Secretary, Working Group Convenor and Secretariats oftechnical committees and subcommittees.He underlined the procedure for carrying out meetings such as procedure for calling TechnicalHarmonization Committee and subcommittee meetings, working group meetings. He also gave guidelines onlanguage at meetings and procedure for cancellation of meetings. The presenter also highlighted projectstages and associated documents.

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Project stages and associateddocuments

Project stage Associated documentName Abbreviation

0: Preliminary stage PreliminaryWork Item PWI1: Proposal stage Newwork Item proposal NWIP2: Preparatory stage Working draft(s) WD3: Committee stage Committee draft(s) CD4: Enquiry stage Draft African standard DARS5: Ballot Stage Final Draft African Standard FDARS6: Approval stage Final Draft African Standard FDARS

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A parallel was drawn between the time periods allowed for commenting and voting and maximum timelinesallowed for each stage in the development of a work item.The presenter expounded on the various stages of standards development from the preliminary, proposal,preparatory, committee, enquiry, ballot, approval and publication stage. He then outlined the procedure foradoption of standards Based on ISO/IEC Guide 21-1.In conclusion Mr. Gisore summarized the four main ways of maintenance of standards, this is via: Technicalcorrigenda and amendments; Systematic review of African Standard; Document integrity and the Appealsprocess.(For Complete Presentation Double click here

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nteractive session

Mr. Gisore requested participants to break into groups to develop key recommendations for the educationsector on standardization. The following were the recommendations of the various groups:Recommendations1. Standardization awareness should be created in secondary schools and higher learning institutions.This can be done through clubs and incorporation in the curriculum2. Standards implementation in institutions should be monitored

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3. Public awareness on standardization should be increased via extensive involvement of allstakeholders –schools, colleges, students etc.4. Research and implementation of results should be encouraged through provision of avenues forresearch5. The KEBS National Quality Institute should incorporate academic training and enhance professionaltraining6. There should be participation and coordination of stakeholders interested in development ofInternational Standards7. Standardization of service areas in education should be undertaken8. Time limits in education should be standardized9. Common Units on Standardization should be incorporated into specific courses so that a culture ofstandardization is cultivated10. KEBS should engage Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for incorporation ofstandards into the primary and secondary school curriculums, currently in the process of beingrevised. KICD can further be approached to include standardization in vocational and technicalcourses examined by KNEC11. KEBS should engage other professional bodies to include relevant standards in their curriculums andqualifying exams12. In the organizing the sensitization seminars, KEBS should source participation from institutions suchas Commission for University Education (CUE), Technical Vocational and Entrepreneurship Authorityand the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)13. KEBS should be involved in extension work14. KEBS should engage more with consumers and end users and source for new work item proposalfrom consumers15. KEBS should put in place a standardization requirement for:a) Pupils capacity to learn;b) Teachers capability to teach and ration to students;c) School or class environment requirements e.g. windows, lighting, rooms e.tc.;d) Curriculum and teaching aids determining baselines;e) Moderation in religious content in education.

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Closing plenary

The completion is organized by KEBS and ARSO in conjunction with Appex Management Systems -Consultants Ltd. This will be the 2nd essay competition to be carried out.The 1st Continental Essay Competition was organized in 2013. Toung II Peres from l’uni-versité de Dchang inCameroun emerged the continental winner. The competition aims at getting the youths in Africa tounderstand how standards can lead to sustainable development and be actively involved in the field ofstandardization.This year it is expected that more youths will compete and give in their voices and reality when it comes toagriculture in Africa.Mrs. Kimanthi closed her remarks by welcoming eligible participants to make their voices heard. Shereiterated that KEBS and ARSO look forward to hearing from African youth on how Africa can utilizestandards to solve the problems of food insecurity and promote intra and inter- African trade. The forum wasinformed that more information about the competition could be sourced from the KEBS websitewww.kebs.orgConcluding Remarks and Vote of Thanks — Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, ARSO Secretary GeneralDr Nsengimana commenced his closing remarks by informing the delegates that ARSO is involved inconformity assessment through the ARSO Conformity Assessment Committee; (ARSO-CACO). This is acontinental certification marking scheme intended to certify the quality of and promoting African Products.He informed the forum that the focus is mainly on Agriculture, food security and traditional medicine. Kenyais part of the participating countries. He encouraged participants to visit the African Trade web portalwww.arso-caco.org to get more information.The ARSO Secretary General went on to explain to participants that KEBS develops standards as opposed toregulations which are developed by regulatory bodies like the National Environmental Authority (NEMA). Hecalled on stakeholders to initiate participation in KEBS standardization process since standards are not aproduct for KEBS only but impact on everyone. Stakeholders should be interested in influencing the contentof standards.As he drew his remarks to a close by thanking KEBS and ARSO staff for organizing the lecture and inviting keystakeholders. He gave special thanks to Mrs. Rowshan Tabari from Iran for offering her technical expertise atthe workshop.Dr. Hermogene thanked all delegates for their participation at the workshop and then declared the workshopofficially closed.

Concluding Remarks — Mrs. Patricia Kimanthi, KEBS Communications ManagerMrs. Kimanthi informed the forum of an upcoming Continental essay writingcompletion with the theme ‘Standards and management ensure quality inAgriculture, which should start right at the basic stage of production (where thereare many structural problems) not at a marketing stage’.

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PH0TOGALORE

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