Kenya to Lead in Regional Research with Accreditation of Local Biobanks

Kenya to Lead in Regional Research with Accreditation of Local Biobanks

Kenya to Begin Accrediting Local Biobanks for Regional Research Leadership

The Kenyan government is set to begin accrediting local biobanks as part of its strategy to position the country as a leader in regional research. In collaboration with the United Kingdom-based British Standards Institution (BSI), local researchers will undergo intensive training on accreditation processes, and local biobanks will gain international recognition for their work.

To support this goal, the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) and BSI recently hosted a three-day workshop for biobank stakeholders across Kenya. This training aimed at building local capacity and ensuring that biobanks in Kenya meet global standards for the storage and management of biological samples.

KENAS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Walter Ongeti emphasized that the accreditation process will significantly enhance Kenya’s standing in the international research field. He pointed out that Kenya will be the first African country to lead in biobank standardization, ensuring that biological samples are stored and managed with the highest levels of integrity and scientific rigor.

“This accreditation will elevate Kenya’s profile globally, and for the first time in Africa’s history, Kenya will spearhead biobank standardization. This will ensure that our biological samples are stored and managed with scientific precision,” Dr. Ongeti said.

Dr. Ongeti further explained that this certification program is aligned with the goal of achieving ISO 20387:2018 accreditation, which will pave the way for increased collaborations with international organizations and foreign research institutions.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, universities, and healthcare institutions. The training focused on equipping potential assessors and implementers with the knowledge required to align Kenya’s biobanks with international standards.

A biobank is a secure facility that stores biological samples, such as blood, tissue, tumor cells, and DNA, along with related health information for research purposes. By securing accreditation, Kenya aims to bolster its research capabilities, attract international collaborations, and ultimately contribute to advancements in global scientific studies.