The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has launched an initiative called ZAMUKANA UBUZIRANENGE to provide certification standards for beauty treatment service providers in Rwanda. The initiative aims to support Small and Medium Enterprises to comply with standards requirements and acquire certification marks. The certification is based on the regulatory body's rules on Cosmetology and Wellness for Beauty Salons and sets out requirements that salons must meet, including standards for hygiene, safety, equipment, and staff qualifications. The move is intended to improve the quality of services offered to customers, ensure their safety and promote the growth of the beauty industry in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Concerns as UV nail polish dryers ban takes effect RSB's Public Relations Specialist, Simeon Kwizera, noted that the standards will apply to all beauty treatment service providers, including hairdressers, barbers, nail technicians, and other professionals in the beauty industry. The standards are expected to benefit both service providers and customers, and salon owners see it as an opportunity to improve their businesses and attract more clients. Firstly, they will need to undergo training on the standards and the requirements needed to achieve them. Secondly, they will need to implement the standards in their operations and ensure that they are adhering to them at all times. Finally, they will be subject to regular inspections to ensure that they continue to meet the standards, Kwizera said. According to RSB, only two beauty salons in the country have received the certification so far. However, the initiative has seen a surge in interest, with more than 120 salons across the country applying for standard certification. Of these, 26 have already been passed and recommended to receive the certification, while the rest are still being coached to meet the required standards. ALSO READ: How woman barber has shattered gender stereotype The standards are set to benefit both service providers and customers. Service providers will have access to guidelines on how to improve the quality of their services and will be able to differentiate themselves from competitors by offering high-quality services. Customers, on the other hand, will be assured of receiving safe and high-quality beauty treatments. Kwizera noted that the move is in line with the RSB's mandate of promoting the use of standards in all sectors of the economy and encouraged beauty treatment service providers to take advantage of the standards and use them to improve their operations. ALSO READ: Health and safety procedures required for beauty salons The initiative has been welcomed by many salon owners, who see it as an opportunity to improve their businesses and attract more clients. I am excited about this initiative because it will help us to improve the quality of our services, said one salon owner based in Kigali. We want our clients to feel safe and comfortable when they come to our salon, and this certification will help us to achieve that. Jean Nsabimana, a beauty treatment service provider whose salon has already received certification of standards, said they’re thriving in today's competitive market. “By staying true to our commitment to quality, safety, and customer service, we’ve been able to build a loyal following of satisfied clients who trust us to provide the very best in beauty treatments and services,” he said.
