KEYNOTE SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIALIZATION AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT, MR. ADAN MOHAMED DURING THE IEC-AFRC

Transcription

1 KEYNOTE SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIALIZATION AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT, MR. ADAN MOHAMED DURING THE IEC-AFRC OFFICE INAUGURATION IN KENYA ON 2 ND NOVEMBER, 2015 AT THE SAFARI PARK HOTEL

2 The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amb. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed, CBS, The IEC Vice-President, Dr. Yinbiao Shu, The African Electrotechnical Standardization Commission President, Mr. Claude Koutoua, The Association of Power Utilities of Africa General Secretary, Mr. Abel Didier Tella, The African Energy Commission Executive Director, Dr Hussein Elhag, The IEC General Secretary & CEO, Mr. Frans Vreeswijk, Members of the Fourth Estate, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 2

3 Good Morning, Thank you for your kind invitation to be part of this auspicious event this morning. I must say I am really excited to join great minds drawn from all over Africa and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as we witness a key milestone in our continent. This is a moment that deserves applause. Ladies and Gentlemen, At the onset, I would like to commend the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the IEC National Committee of Kenya (KNCIEC) for the critical role they have played in championing for Kenya to host the Regional Centre for the International Electrotechnical Commission for Africa. 3

4 I also wish extend our heartfelt appreciation to the International Electrotechnical Commission for considering Kenya as your destination of choice in setting up your Africa Regional Office. We are indeed honoured to be part of your organization. My assurance to you is that you did not make a mistake in choosing this great African Hub - Kenya. Distinguished Guests, I am conscious of the fact that today s forum not only convenes perhaps the best minds in the world of standardisation and sustainable technology but also gives us a platform to discuss issues that cripple our development as a continent. I believe the IEC and other standards bodies will address some of the many challenges our continent faces, and propose solutions on how development and adoption of quality standards not only for 4

5 electrical and electronic products but for all goods in general will benefit us as a continent. Ladies and Gentlemen, As I have previously mentioned in the past, the link to standardization and industrialization for any country cannot be understated. The significance of a nation producing goods and services that meet the test of international markets while simultaneously maintaining or expanding the real incomes of its citizens is a great boost to its economy. Here in Kenya, standardization has contributed immensely in building a robust economy at the national level. We are challenged to put more effort in enhancing a quality infrastructure for the good of the citizens. Under Kenya Vision 2030, Kenya aims to be a middle-income rapidly industrializing 5

6 country by 2030, offering all its citizens a high quality of life. The cornerstone of industrialization is the country s Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs. SMEs and the informal sector are very important for economic development. Today, Kenya is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and this would not have happened without standards. Ladies and Gentlemen, As a government, we continue to create enabling environments for businesses through instituting legal and regulatory reforms that are critical to realizing Kenya s goal of sustainable industrialization and inclusive growth. 6

7 Implementation of Standards will not only continue to empower the lives of so many Africans across the continent, but also will drive entrepreneurship, innovation and income growth. The impact that can be created among Africans if we implement developed standards in the respective fields can be transformational. Kenya and indeed Africa will continue to transform it. Distinguished Guests, It is imperative to note that the functions performed by institutions such as KEBS and the IEC in the development and harmonization of standards, testing, measurements, enforcement of standards, product inspection and certification- have been instrumental in restricting the influx of sub-standard goods, counterfeits and contraband into our countries. 7

8 Our resolve as a government is to continue to provide policy guidance and corporate stewardship in dispensing core duties which are a critical pillar in our quest to transform Kenya into a middle income economy. The government has embarked on a journey to create an enabling environment to make Kenya a globally competitive country that is ready to do business. As a result, the reforms in specific economic indicators are already heralding good tidings for the Kenya s ease and cost of doing business reforms. This is aimed at setting a foundation for the sustainable development of the private sector and creating a competitive and diversified economy in the long term (highlight recent accomplishments on Ease of Doing Business results). 8

9 Distinguished Guests, In line with the vision of the African Union which is, An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena the EAC economic block for instance has fast-tracked regional integration and has seen considerable progress in institutional reforms. The region has also seen major investments in both national and regional infrastructure; many more projects have been planned and are scheduled to commence shortly. Of major significance, the Government of Kenya, under the stewardship of President Uhuru Kenyatta, inaugurated the commencement of construction of a rail project that will link 9

10 Kenya's coast town of Mombasa to Kampala (Uganda), Kigali (Rwanda), and Juba (South Sudan). With positive growth trajectory predicted over the medium term, the EAC has a good chance of reaching a developmental tipping point. This is the kind of integration we hope to see replicated across Africa. Ladies and Gentlemen, I challenge companies to reduce their reliance on internal company standards by utilizing international, national or industry standards; and for the government to embrace use of standards for safety and environment conservation. With this we shall be co-developers and users of a level playing field that provides same rules and language for competitiveness in the global market. 10

11 As I conclude, let me take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to our partners in the implementation of world - class standardization and industrialization. Asanteni. 11