Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) conducted a one-day rigorous Quality Assurance Management Systems (QAMS) continuous awareness program for all staff members on Thursday 3, October, 2024 at the University’s Assembly Hall.
The exercise was intended at demystifying ISO 9001:2015 International Standard to enhance the University’s zeal for quality delivery of its programmes through effective implementation of QAMS.
Organized by the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Management Systems (DQA&MS), the programme aimed at equipping staff with relevant information needed to reinforce university operations and ensuring that all processes are aligned to international and industry quality standards.
In his opening and welcoming note, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Student Affairs and Research), Professor Julius Kipkemboi, reiterated the University Management Board’s commitment to continuous implementation and improvement of the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO: 9001:2015 International Standard. “ I want to assure you that our Management is devoted to this course and is ready to provide the requisite resources needed for implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of QMS. However, you should be awake to the fact that this is a collaborative task that needs our collective efforts for it to materialize. I urge you all to support us in making this course count,” he emphasized.
Addressing staff members during the event, the Director of QA&MS, Dr. Nurwin F. Rajab emphasized the importance of adhering to ISO 9001:2015 requirements in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of internal processes within the University. She highlighted that compliance to specifications of QAMS is critical in promotion of continuous improvement across all university operations and that it ensures increased productivity, proficient customer service and satisfaction.
Ms. Christine Gitonga a lead auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and the Assistant Registrar, Human resources enlightened participants on importance of developing procedure manuals. This session clarified the essential elements and requirements of a procedure manual and the approvals needed before its implementation. She further encouraged participants to continuously review their procedure manuals to suit emerging organizational and external trends.
On her part, Dr. Annete Busula, the Chair of Department (CoD), Biological Sciences took members through setting of SMART QMS quality objectives which should originate from the University’s strategic plan, be cognizant of the quality statement policy and conform to relevant institutional products and services.
Another lead auditor and CoD Information Communication Technology, Mr. Hillan Ronoh, discussed the University’s Context document. “This is a key asset to our University because it considers both internal and external issues including opportunities and challenges that are likely to impact the planning and execution of the QMS and the University’s ability to realize its intended strategic objectives” he said. Mr. Rohoh further noted that there are regulatory and statutory requirements that ought to be adhered to, not forgetting the need to communicate, monitor, measure, analyze and evaluate all operations to ensure customer satisfaction.
Speaking during the organizational risks and opportunities session, Dr. Loice Mureithi the University’s Risk Coordinator, took members through the institutional risk register. She described how it affects realization of organizational objectives in line with ISO 9001:2015 standards. Dr. Mureithi expounded the risk identification, evaluation and measurement process and explained how to review specific unit’s risk registers. She also sensitized participants on risk mitigation strategies, measures and maximization of opportunities emanating from the documented risks.
“A risk register is an important document since it helps the University to identify, record, assess, prioritize and monitor potential risks that could otherwise impact its success. Keeping track and monitoring of all risks associated with our institution will ultimately enhance KAFU’s reputation, and enrich satisfaction and loyalty of our customers” she noted.
In their final remarks, other IS:9001: 2015 auditors; Ms. Lilian Rohoh, the In charge Directorate Open Distance e Learning and Mr. Leo Odanga, an administrator in the School of Education and Social Sciences, walked members through development and maintenance of university registers, forms, filing and indexing. The successful conclusion of this training reinforces KAFU’s strive to continuously provide quality products and services that meet and exceed the needs and expectations of its customers and stakeholders.