THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFICATION AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL FRIDAY SEPTMBER 4, 2009

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1 SPEECH BY ADAN MOHAMMED COUNCIL CHAIRMAN DURING THE THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFICATION TO JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL FRIDAY SEPTMBER 4,

2 Council Members, Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Representatives of other Universities and Organizations, Alumni, Juja Community, Staff and students, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen Good morning and welcome to our celebration. From the outset I must say I am delighted that Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has attained the coveted ISO 9001:2008 Certification marking it the first university in the country to attain this latest revisions of the standards on Quality Management Systems. This certification is a result of the institution s establishment of effective documentation, implementation and maintenance of high levels of quality management. Indeed, we are proud to join an elite group of global institutions 1

3 that embrace best practices for business efficiency and customer satisfaction through the provision of quality service. As an institution of higher learning whose programs are now fairly spread across the country, ISO this achievement is truly a great milestone. We, as council members are indeed, proud of this accomplishment as it will not only increase JKUAT competitiveness in the market, but will also establish a precise criteria to be used consistently in all areas of its operations. It is my sincere hope that the university will retain the commitment to continually improve service delivery, as this is one of the key pillars contained in the ISO 9001:2008 International Standard. Academic Quality Quality in teaching and research is key preoccupation of any university that wishes to headway in the world of competition. I am pleased to note that JKUAT has put in place mechanisms that will ensure quality is observed and improved. Being the first university 2

4 to develop an academic Quality Policy and to establish a directorate to safeguard the academic standards of our programmes, is a clear testimony of JKUAT s commitment to continuously improve towards excellence. Without a doubt, we are in the lead in restoring the public confidence beyond the borders by paying attention to quality assurance and enhancement. Staff I wish to recognize the role that staff have played and their commitment in ensuring conformity to the required performance criteria and the international standard. As council, we are aware that in order to sustain and continuously improve, we must also continue to motivate our staff. Indeed, Council has already initiated a process to manage the implementation of the Human resource audit which was conducted last year with a view of advancing and motivating our staff. Indeed, it is Council s intention to fill 3

5 existing establishment gaps from within our own staff before we can advertise externally. I am informed that internal adverts for promotions are already running and I would like to urge all of you to look out for suitable positions and apply. I want to assure you that we will continue to review your terms of service in view of the adverse economic hardships that we are facing. Through this certification, we have marked an important milestone towards achieving our Vision, which is, To be an institution of global Excellence in Training, Research and Innovation for Development. It is in this context that we must be determined to take continual improvement and surveillance audits very seriously. I therefore urge our staff to remain vigilant and ready to take necessary measures to maintain the quality management system. The journey has begun; with dedication we shall reach our destination. 4

6 Students Realizing that the students are our key customers, I u8rge them to have confidence that their requirements for quality are met on a continuous basis, and that they will gain the required knowledge when they graduate. This can be measured by the great demand that our graduands continue to generate in the job market. In this regard, we shall therefore ensure that we avail all the required resources and equipment to ensure that we train our students to the highest possible standards as stipulated in ISO 9001:2008 standards in line with international job market. Nonetheless, we also recognize that the attainment of ISO 9001:2008 certification is not an end in itself, and therefore the University will continue to examine the quality management system and institute measures to ensure continuous improvement. We therefore, welcome feedback from our customers, clients, partners and other stakeholders for this purpose. 5

7 In concluding my remarks, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely express my appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy Vice Chancellors for driving the ISO process that has culminated in the staging of today s ceremony. I extend council s appreciation to the entire staff and students for their commitment and hard work that has seen the university achieve this international award. I recognize the efforts of the ISO Secretariat, the ISO Steering Committee and the ISO champions headed by the Management Representative for delivering this result. They have done the university proud and deserve applause. 6

8 I wish to reiterate here that the certification is not an end in itself, but it is the beginning of yet another process of continual improvement and sustained conformity to Quality Management. Thank you 7