By Njeri Irungu,
17 February 2026, Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenyan business leaders have been challenged to take a more active role in embedding international management standards within their organisations to drive resilience, innovation and global competitiveness, during a CEO breakfast meeting convened by the Kenya Bureau of Standards in Nairobi.
The high-level forum, held Tuesday at a Nairobi hotel under the theme “Driving Business Excellence Through Management Systems: The CEO Imperative,” brought together senior executives, regulators and industry stakeholders to examine how structured management systems can transform Kenyan enterprises.
Delivering the keynote address, KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari said companies that adopt internationally recognised ISO standards are better equipped to navigate an increasingly volatile global environment marked by supply chain disruptions, climate pressures and shifting consumer expectations. She described the attending executives as custodians of Kenya’s economic future, noting that their decision to pursue certification reflects a commitment to building institutions grounded in excellence.
Ngari outlined a range of standards — spanning quality management, environmental sustainability, occupational health and safety, information security, business continuity, knowledge management and food safety — as essential pillars of an integrated system that strengthens organisational performance. She emphasised that when implemented together, these frameworks create businesses that are efficient, people-focused, environmentally responsible and digitally secure.
She also underscored the central role of executive leadership, arguing that management systems only deliver value when CEOs personally champion them. According to Ngari, visible leadership commitment to quality, safety and data protection fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across organisations.
Industrialization Secretary Prof. Erastus Gatebe read remarks on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, reaffirming the government’s backing for standards-driven industrial development. He said strong compliance with global benchmarks is key to expanding Kenya’s footprint in international markets.
The Chairman of the KEBS National Standards Council, Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu, called for transformative leadership within corporate Kenya, encouraging executives to adopt long-term visions inspired by successful global economies. He stressed that organisational culture, effective governance and sound management systems are critical to sustained performance.
Wamalwa added that KEBS is positioning itself as an excellence partner to industry, supporting businesses in their transformation journeys rather than acting solely as an enforcement authority.
The meeting comes as Kenya seeks to capitalise on expanded regional trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Ngari urged businesses to consistently meet international standards of quality and sustainability, saying that each high-performing organisation contributes to strengthening the country’s global reputation.
She noted that delivering excellence is not only a corporate responsibility but a national one, as Kenyan products and services increasingly compete on the world stage.
