Kenya Pipeline Company’s (KPC) laboratories have received their second re-accreditation for the ISO 17025:2017 standard, a move that is set to significantly reduce the time it takes to test jet A-1 fuel.
This progress firmly cements Kenya’s pivotal position as a crucial transport hub in the region.
All KPC laboratories, including those in Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu, have been certified by the International Standard Organization (ISO) for jet A-1 fuel testing.
During the certification ceremony, KPC’s Managing Director Joe Sang, highlighted that this expanded capacity would cut down testing time by more than 17 hours.
“We can now complete Jet A-1 fuel testing in 6 hours, down from the previous 24 hours required when tests were limited to the Nairobi laboratory,” Sang stated.
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According to Sang, this certification will ensure international flights in Kenya experience minimal disruption.
“This improvement ensures that both local and international flights in Kenya experience minimal disruption, benefitting from a reliable supply of safe and ample jet fuel.
“Furthermore, certifying all seven laboratories to test jet A-1 fuel is expected to save on sample transportation costs and eliminate the usual risks of delays and losses.”
The KPC boss also mentioned that this re-accreditation allows Kenya Pipeline laboratories to offer testing services for petroleum products to third-party entities, including Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
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He said that the commercialization of laboratories at PS 10 (Industrial Area, Nairobi), PS 01 (Changamwe, Mombasa), PS 14 (Kipevu, Mombasa), PS 15 (KPRL, Mombasa), PS 25 (Nakuru), PS 27 (Eldoret), and PS 28 (Kisumu) signifies a significant advancement.
This is because customers will no longer need to travel to the Nairobi lab (PS 10) as they now have access to competent and accredited facilities closer to home.
CEO of Kenya Accreditation Service Remarks
Martin Chesire, CEO of Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), presented the accreditation certificate, highlighting the rigorous process involved in evaluating KPC’s laboratory facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and data management practices.
The rigorous process according to him ensures compliance with the stringent requirements of the ISO standard.
With all seven laboratories now accredited, KPC becomes the largest multisite accredited laboratory in Eastern Africa.
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Chesire emphasized the significance of the accreditation process, noting that a sample tested in any of the labs should yield the same result across all seven.
He commended Kenya Pipeline Company for its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in laboratory testing, establishing them as a crucial player in the energy sector.
Nonetheless, the globally recognized ISO 17025:2017 certification enhances KPC’s laboratory capabilities on an international scale.
Compliance with this standard ensures timely identification and resolution of potential risks and errors, minimizing the chances of inaccurate results and mitigating operational risks.
