Government Chemist Receives ISO Accreditation to Boost Forensic Investigations

The Government Chemist has received its ISO/IEC 17025 Testing Laboratory Accreditation Certificate from the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), marking a major step in strengthening scientific evidence used in criminal investigations, court cases, public health decisions and regulatory enforcement.

The department, which falls under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, attained the accreditation in June 2026 after undergoing an assessment process that lasted nearly three years.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo said the accreditation confirms that the department’s laboratory services meet internationally recognised standards for quality, impartiality and technical competence.

“Its scientific work supports the administration of justice, public health, environmental protection, national security, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement. The Department also serves as Kenya’s National Authority for the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and as a focal point within the country’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear coordination framework,” read the statement in part.

Speaking during the certificate presentation ceremony, Omollo described the department as occupying a “unique” position as Kenya’s central institution for forensic science and analytical laboratory services.

He further highlighted the importance of reliable laboratory testing in public health, particularly in cases involving suspected poisoning, narcotic drugs, and concerns over the safety or composition of food, drinks, medicines, agricultural inputs and industrial chemicals.

Omollo urged government institutions to support the Government Chemist Department as a shared national scientific capability rather than establishing isolated or duplicate analytical facilities.

He said stronger collaboration would improve the sharing of expertise, technology, data and infrastructure while ensuring better value for money for Kenyans.