SOBS Director General Holds Bilateral Meeting with KEBS to Strengthen Quality Infrastructure Cooperation and Trade Facilitation

Mombasa, Kenya, 28 August 2026 – The Director General of the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), Madam Hawo Ahmed Hassan, held a high-level bilateral meeting with her counterpart, the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Madam Esther Ngari, in Mombasa, Kenya. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two institutions, enhancing coordination on quality infrastructure development, and improving mechanisms for effective quality control at national borders. During the discussions, both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating counterfeit products and substandard goods that may negatively affect consumers, businesses, and regional trade. The two institutions also discussed ways to facilitate the movement of products produced in Somalia and Kenya, as well as transit goods moving through the region, while ensuring compliance with applicable standards and quality requirements. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between SOBS and KEBS in supporting safe trade, protecting consumers, and reducing technical barriers affecting businesses operating across the region. The meeting was attended by Hon. Nimco Omar Hajj, a member of the KEBS Council, who expressed appreciation to the SOBS Director General for strengthening engagement between the two institutions. Hon. Nimco Omar Hajj emphasised the importance of expanding trade and economic opportunities between Somalia and Kenya, particularly by promoting the export of products from both countries through closer cooperation between the respective Ministries of Trade and Industry. The discussions provided an important platform for both institutions to explore future areas of cooperation, including information sharing, technical collaboration, and joint efforts to strengthen quality assurance systems within the East African region. The Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) remains committed to building regional partnerships, strengthening Somalia’s National Quality Infrastructure, protecting consumers, and supporting the growth of safe and sustainable trade.