What is KNCIEC?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recognizes as its Kenya member, the “Kenya National Committee of IEC (KNCIEC)”. IEC Statutes require the Kenya National Committee to be fully representative of national interests in the IEC’s field of activity, which is to promote international co-operation on all questions of standardization and related matters (including conformity assessment) in the fields of electricity, electronics and related technologies.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), through its Standards Division, assumes overall responsibility for the development of Kenya National Standards and related publications in all fields, including those covered by the IEC. It is therefore desirable that the work of the two organizations at international and national levels be integrated as far as possible, particularly in the area of standards development. In addition, KEBS is a major supplier of conformity assessment services in the electrotechnical field, some of which is provided in terms of IEC Conformity Assessment Systems. Such systems are also open to participation by other service providers, and the structures of KNCIEC must provide for representation from all national service providers participating in IEC Conformity Assessment Systems.

In 2008, the African Electrotechnical Standardization Commission (AFSEC) was established. The AFSEC statutes mirror those of IEC, in respect of the representation of stakeholders organized as a national committee. KNCIEC is one of the founding members of AFSEC.