In the quest of University of Eldoret transition from ISO 9001:2008 certification to ISO 9001:2015 certification, the University sought the help of Kenya Bureau of Standards to carry out the Stage 1 audit (KEBS/QMS/SC/282/1/18) on the 10th day of August 2018. This was aimed at enabling the University meet the quality assurance standards necessary for the transition process.

The KEBS audit which was carried out by Mr. Isaac Mureithi and Mr. Peter Ndisi was dedicated towards meeting the following objectives;

a) Reviewing the University’s’ management system documentation.
b) Review the key performance of the management system.
c) Review the scope of management in terms of processes, equipment used, levels of controls established and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
d) Evaluation of the internal audits and management reviews.

The audit criteria were based upon ISO 9001:2015 standard, UoE QMS Documentation and the legal and statutory requirements.

The auditors managed to audit the Department of Biotechnology, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Finance, Department of ICT and finally, the Department of Hotel and Hospitality Management. The auditor’s report highlighted that the University had met the set standards needed for the Stage 1 audit. However, they highlighted various gaps within the various departments, which they called upon the heads of the respective departments to work on them before the commencement of the Stage 2 audit which would be held later at the end of the month (28th-30th August, 2018).

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Teresa Akenga lauded the efforts of the Kenya Bureau of Standards in enhancing quality assurance in the University, and reiterated that the Pre-Audit Stage 1 was thorough although Stage 2 will be broader and detailed. She therefore urged the heads of the various departments audited to address the gaps highlighted by the auditors in order to put the University in a better position to transition to ISO 9001:2015 certification. She highlighted that this was the only way to transform the University to become a world class University.

The Directorate of Quality Assurance Prof. Donald Otieno on his part highlighted that the gaps identified by the auditors are things which can be handled in time before the Stage 2 Audit. He further urged the respective heads to be prepared for the Stage 2 Audit, which will be conducted between 28th-30th August so as to give the University an easy sail through in its quest to achieve ISO certification.