Knowledge base
The referral laboratory role
Why the Government Chemist is the authority in disputed laboratory results.
The Government Chemist is Kenya's reference laboratory for forensic science and analytical services, providing impartial results that support justice, public safety and regulatory compliance.
Under laws including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Pest Control Products Act and the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, the department serves as:
- The authority in disputed laboratory results;
- A regional hub for aflatoxin testing and chemical threat detection;
- A training centre for local and regional scientists.
Comparable institutions include the Government Chemist in the United Kingdom, Uganda's Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory and Tanzania's Government Chemist Laboratory Authority.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Also interesting
- Expert evidence in courtTechnical reports, certificates and expert testimony for the administration of justice.
- The Chemical Weapons ConventionHow the Government Chemist serves as Kenya's National Authority for the CWC.
- The laws behind our workThe Acts of Parliament from which the Government Chemist's mandate is derived.