INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION CONFERENCE 2025

Dr. Ongeti is an accomplished academician, strategic thinker, trainer, corporate governance practitioner, manager and a resourceful person with demonstrable leadership and management capacity including knowledge of strategic management, training, corporate governance, and research. Walter earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Strategy and Governance) from the University of Nairobi; A MBA (Strategy and Change Mgt) and A B.Ed. (Business Studies and Economics) from the same university. He has been trained in governance, financial management, risk management and human capital management among others. He is Certified Secretary and Member of Institute of Certified Secretaries [ICS] Full Member of the Kenya Institute of Management[FKIM], Academy of Management and Strategic Management Society. He is a Certified Strategy, Monitoring, and Evaluation Expert. Dr. Ongeti has taught, supervised, and examined students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Accreditation Service and previously served as a Member of the Tax Appeals Tribunal, Kenya. He has over 20 years of extensive experience in Research, Training and management consultancy in the Private, Non-state, and Public sectors in various Countries. Walter has held senior management positions including Managing Director, ACL, Senior Technical Advisor on Governance, Research, and University Education to the Cabinet Secretary for Education in Kenya. He also served as a Strategy and Governance Advisor to Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports.

Dr. Ahmed Kalebi is a General and Anatomical Pathologist with a specialist focus in renal pathology and a passion for advancing diagnostic services in underserved regions of Kenya and Eastern Africa. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Renal Pathology Working Group of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) (since February 2025), having actively contributed since 2019 including presenting abstracts and delivering talks at the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN). He also founded and led the East African Division of the International Academy of Pathology (IAP) as its General Secretary and later President (2009–2018; 2019–2024). In addition, he is an active member of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Association of Clinical Pathologists (KACP). Dr. Kalebi is recognized as both a pioneering pathologist and a healthcare entrepreneur. In 2009, he founded Pathologists Lancet Kenya (now Cerba Lancet Kenya) in partnership with Lancet Laboratories South Africa, developing it into the largest independent laboratory network in East Africa. After a three-year sabbatical (2021–2024) to focus on family and community initiatives, he established Dr. Kalebi Labs (DKL) Limited, a groundbreaking diagnostic facility featuring total lab automation (TLA), a fully digital pathology workflow, and advanced technologies from flow cytometry to genetic testing. DKL began operations in September 2024, was officially launched in October 2024, and achieved ISO15189 accreditation by December 2024.

Dr Makau is a strategic healthcare executive and physician leader specializing in the digital transformation of diagnostics and clinical care. He leverages deep expertise in healthcare IT and data-driven strategies to enhance quality, streamline lab operations, and drive efficiency. Passionate about patient-centered innovation, Dr Makaufocuses on building scalable, value-based care models that align modern health tech solutions with sustainable growth and improved quality outcomes.

Esther Ngari has a diverse work experience spanning over several decades. Esther began their career as the Quality Assurance Departmental Head at DelMonte Kenya Limited in 1999, where they supervised the department and ensured quality objectives were met. In 2006, they joined Kenya Meat Commission as the Quality Assurance, Research and Development Manager, a role they held until 2019. During this time, they managed quality assurance processes and conducted research and development activities. In 2019, Ngari joined the Kenya Bureau of Standards as the Director of Standards Development and Trade, where they provided strategic leadership in promoting innovation, trade, and quality life. Currently, they hold the position of Managing Director at the Kenya Bureau of Standards. Esther Ngari's education history includes earning a Certificate in Agribusiness - Value Chain Analysis and Development from The University of Queensland in 2018, a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Diploma in Supply Chain Management from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies United Kingdom from 2016 to 2017, a Masters in Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) from 2008 to 2010, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Dairy Science and Food Technology from Egerton University from 1993 to 1998. Esther also obtained additional certifications in Quality Management Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor based on ISO 9001 in 2013, Environmental Management Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor based on ISO 14001 in 2012, and Food Safety Management Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor based on ISO 22000 in 2007. Esther Ngari is currently pursuing a Certificate in Strategic Leadership Development Program (SLDP) at Kenya School of Government, starting in 2022.

Dr. Josephine Nyabeta Rioki holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Cytology from the University of Nairobi, dual MSc degrees in Clinical Cytology (University of Nairobi) and Molecular Medicine, and a BSc. in Medical Laboratory Sciences (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology). She is a Lecturer and Head of Medical Laboratory Sciences Thematic Unit, Department of Human Pathology, University of Nairobi. She also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Society for Clinical Cytologists, Kenya. With over a decade of experience in laboratory accreditation, Dr. Rioki has served as a KENAS Team Leader and Technical Assessor/ Xpert since 2013 and has assessed quite a number of local and international laboratories since then. She is also a certified auditor by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) and has audited both local and international laboratories on behalf of ASLM. She has also served MAURITAS as an International Technical assessor for two years. She is trained in ISO 15189, ISO 17025, and ISO 20387 standards.

Mrs Caroline A. Outa-Ogweno is the current chair of ISO’s Conformity assessment Committee, ISO/CASCO since 1st January 2024. She is also the Regional Manager, KEBS Lake Region and is responsible for providing Strategic leadership to the region, spanning 10 counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Kisii, Namira, Migori, Homabay and parts of Bomet), in the provision of standardization and conformity assessment services. Caroline has been involved in conformity assessment since the year 1999. She is the immediate former chair of the African Standards Organization Conformity assessment committee (ARSO CACO). She has lent her conformity assessment expertise to the establishment and accreditation of management system certification bodies at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), Namibia Standards Institute (NSI) and South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS). The CBs at RSB, UNBS and NSI are now accredited. Mrs Ogweno has a degree in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi and a post graduate diploma in Environmental Management. She is a registered auditor and trainer for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. She is also an assessor and trainer for ISO/IEC 17021-1, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17024 and ISO/IEC 17065. She is a member of The National Quality Institute (NQI), The American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).

Dr. Ulrich Harmes-Liedtke is an economist and a PhD in political science, internationally recognized for his expertise in quality infrastructure and sustainable development. As a founding partner of Mesopartner, he brings more than thirty years of experience in consulting on quality infrastructure. He has collaborated with major development organizations such as GIZ and PTB of the German Development Cooperation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the International Trade Centre (ITC) of the WTO, ECLAC, UNIDO, and the European Union, working across Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Ulrich has made significant contributions to projects focused on quality for value chains in both West and East Africa, with direct involvement in Kenya. He has advised the government of South Africa in the redesign of its National Quality Infrastructure. He is a member of the German Society for Quality (DGQ), a promoter of the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII), which the BMZ and the PTB support. Additionally, he is the author of the QI4D blog and the Talks with Ulrich series. As a guest lecturer and researcher at various universities, he has published extensively on international development and quality infrastructure, positioning him as a leading advocate for international cooperation and QI advancement.

Dr. Kenneth Odhiambo is a seasoned Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon with extensive training and experience in surgical practice and healthcare leadership. He holds a Master of Medicine in General Surgery (M.Med, University of Nairobi, 2006) and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB, University of Nairobi, 1992). He further advanced his expertise through a Fellowship in General and Trauma Surgery at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret, enhancing his proficiency in complex surgical care and trauma management. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Oasis Healthcare Group Limited, Dr. Odhiambo provides strategic leadership to a network of 16 affiliates across Kenya, driving excellence in patient care, medical innovation, and health systems strengthening. He remains deeply committed to evidence-based surgical practice, continuous professional development, and the delivery of quality, accessible healthcare services to all.

Mr. Kenneth Matiba, MBS is the Chief Executive Officer and Accounting Officer of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM. He is responsible for the day to day operations of the Institute which has over 28,000 professionals and presence in 9 regions in Kenya. Mr. Matiba is a dynamic professional with a foundational leadership background and a sterling 16 years of experience, spread locally and abroad. He has served at the Office of the Auditor-General (as a Director), German Development Cooperation Agency (as An Advisor), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Senior Forensic Investigator), Kenya Industrial Estates Limited (as the Deputy Head of Procurement), among others. Trained locally and abroad, Mr. Matiba is currently a Supply Chain Management (PhD) Candidate undertaking research. He holds a Master Science Degree in Procurement & Logistics, First Class Honours in Bachelor of Science Degree in Supply Chain Management among others. He holds several professional qualifications including Strategic Leadership Development, Forensic Investigations, Logistics and Transport, Strategic Management, Resource Mobilization among others. He has been involved in several reform processes in Kenya including the EGP System, the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP), Strengthening Audit and Accountability Systems, and his exemplary service to the nation has been recognised. He won the unsung hero of the year awards in 2023 by KISM, and in 2024 His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya conferred on him the Moran of Burning Spear (2nd Class), among other decorations. He is a Member of KISM, Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK), among others.

Mr Mpho Phaloane is currently the Executive for Accreditation at the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). He is also appointed as one of the Executive Directors of the Board of SANAS since November 2019. Mpho Phaloane is the Executive: Accreditation at the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). He has over 22 years’ experience in Accreditation, first as the Field Manager for Verification Laboratories and Inspection bodies, then as the Senior Manager for Mechanical and Physical division of Accreditation, and then as the executive of core business of SANAS. Mpho is a Mechanical Engineer, with a Master’s degree in Engineering (majoring in Materials and Metallurgy). Before joining SANAS he worked at SASOL Chemical Industries and later at Merz and McLellan Consulting Engineers as an Engineer and Inspector of Pressurised Equipment (IPE).

Mike Kamau is a business development professional with more than 15 years experience supporting organizations in both private and public sectors. He has developed expertise in the auditing, consulting and capacity building industries with emphasis on Information and Communication Technology. He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration and Bachelors Degree in Business Information Systems.

Brahim Houla is an accreditation and Quality Infrastructure (QI) expert with over 25 years of experience in accreditation, conformity assessment, and QI system development. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and a DEA Master’s degree in production systems management and renewable energy. He currently serves as Director of Accreditation Services at the GCC Accreditation Center (GAC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is the Chair of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) Committee. He also contributes to several international bodies, including the APAC MLA Committee and the International Network on Quality Infrastructure (INetQI), leading communication and collaboration efforts. As the co-convener of the IAF AI ACT Team, Eng. Houla spearheads discussions and strategies for the integration of AI into accreditation and conformity assessment frameworks. Recognized as a Lead Assessor and Peer Evaluator, he works extensively with organizations such as ISO CASCO, ILAC, PTB, and UNIDO, delivering capacity-building initiatives and promoting the digital transformation of QI globally.

Jack Wanyonyi is an accomplished agricultural and project management professional with over 23 years of experience driving sustainable horticulture, coffee, and agribusiness ventures across Africa. He has successfully led large-scale farm developments, climate resilience programs, and coffee management initiatives, delivering impact for organizations such as Twiga Foods, Delphy BV, Ibonia Estate, and the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF). Jack played a key role in climate change feasibility studies under the EU Green Deal, strengthening smallholder adaptation and sustainable production systems. His expertise spans crop and coffee management, agribusiness development, food safety systems, capacity building, and smart agricultural technologies. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Jack combines technical depth with strong leadership to empower farming communities and deliver lasting value.

Jasin Owili is a visionary technology leader and the CEO of Afribot Robotics, a pioneering company at the forefront of robotics education, integration, and research in Africa. With a strong commitment to transforming Africa's technological landscape, Jasin has spearheaded initiatives that empower children, youth, and educators with cutting-edge skills in robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence. Through Afribot Robotics, he has led the development of accessible and inclusive STEM education programs across Kenya and beyond—impacting learners in public schools, refugee camps, and institutions serving students with disabilities. His work demonstrates a deep belief in leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps and foster innovation from the grassroots level. Beyond education, Jasin Owili has a strategic vision for Africa’s future in advanced manufacturing and automation. He actively collaborates with academic institutions, government bodies, and international partners to scale up industrial and digital skills among the continent’s young population. Under his leadership, Afribot Robotics is not only preparing the next generation of engineers and innovators but also positioning Africa as a future hub for robotics and AI development. Jasin's dedication to equitable access, sustainability, and African-led innovation continues to inspire partnerships and drive impactful change across sectors.

Stella Wawira, CEO,SOCAA. Stella Wawira is an accomplished Agricultural Expert and African Food Fellow specializing in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agroecology. Holding a BSc in Agriculture and pursuing an MBA in Project Management, she combines technical mastery with strategic leadership to transform Africa's food systems. As a dedicated member of the African Food Fellowship, Stella advances inclusive, sustainable agricultural practices through innovative, science-based approaches that support quality standards, trade competitiveness, and climate resilience—core pillars of the accreditation ecosystem driving Africa's global positioning.

Mr. Musafiri, is a Ugandan and joined work with the government of Uganda since 2009 at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives at the level of Senior Industrial Officer, and became a Principal Industrial Officer in 2020. He was appointed to be the Director of Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS), the national accreditation body of Uganda, established by an act of accreditation in 2021. Richard started his professional career in private sector, working in a sugar processing factory as a process chemist in Uganda for a period of 13 years and ranked from the initial level of production supervisor and left employment in sugar factory at the level of Process Manager in 2008 to join the government. Mr. Musafiri holds a BSc. Honors degree in Industrial Chemistry of Makerere University Kampala, a Diploma in Project Management and MSc. Project Planning and Management of Ndejje University-Kampala. He is an experienced and trained leader with leadership management skills. As a team leader and a vast experience, he uses own initiative with proven analytical, negotiating, communication skills and able to grip the team with complete self-control and self-awareness to achieve organizational goals and objectives He has vast experience in a food processing industry over the years and; now a policy maker in government on industrial manufacturing, regulations and standards. He gained extensive practical skills in Total Quality Management and accreditation services. He has trained on various international standards on Accreditation of Conformity Assessment namely: - ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 71021, ISO/IEC 1702O, Lead Auditor in ISO 9001Quality management system and other courses of assessment technics and actively participates in international forums for accreditation at national, regional, continental, and international fora. Mr. Musafiri is passionate to ensure that accreditation for conformity assessment is promoted and strengthened and enhanced across all sectors of the economy, with the overall objective of promoting trade, industrial development, climate greening and ensure the good life of the population.