April 2, 2025 | Baraton, Kenya – By Dr. Nathan Gitonga, UEAB News Desk
The University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB) marked a historic milestone on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, with the official launch of its Quality Management System (QMS) based on the internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 standard. The event, held at the Baraton University Church, drew participation from university leadership, faculty, staff, student representatives, and a distinguished team of consultants from Maier Consultancy Group led by Ms. Betty Chebet Sirma.
The three-day event, which runs until April 4, signifies UEAB’s unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in academic and administrative processes. The launch sets in motion a structured journey toward full ISO 9001:2015 certification—an achievement that will elevate UEAB’s institutional credibility both locally and internationally.
A Spirit-Filled Start
The morning began with an inspiring devotion from Prof. Rabach Odek, setting the tone for a ceremony grounded in both professionalism and faith. Prof. Moses Kibirango, the Director for Quality Assurance at UEAB, officially welcomed participants, lauding the initiative as a transformative step for the university's future.
The Voice of Quality: Maier Consultant's Presentation
In a compelling address, the representative from Maier Consultant Ms. Betty Chebet Sirma emphasized that ISO 9001:2015 is not merely a technical standard but a blueprint for institutional transformation.
“This system is not about creating more paperwork—it’s about creating better outcomes,” stated Ms. Chebet. “When implemented effectively, ISO 9001:2015 helps align your mission with measurable results. It empowers every department—from academic affairs to administration—to become more efficient, data-driven, and customer-focused.”
Ms. Chebet went on to commend UEAB’s preparedness and leadership, noting that the groundwork laid so far demonstrates a deep institutional commitment to quality. The highlight of the morning was the formal handover of the QMS documentation and Quality Policy to the Vice Chancellor, followed by its signing and transfer to the Office of Quality Assurance.
Vice Chancellor’s Vision for Quality Excellence
In a powerful keynote, Prof. Msafiri Jackson Mmamba, Vice Chancellor of UEAB, hailed the launch of ISO 9001:2015’s QMS as a "defining milestone" in the university’s pursuit of operational excellence.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement in all our operations,” said Prof. Mmamba. “This standard enables us to serve our students, faculty, and stakeholders with transparency and accountability. It aligns us with global best practices and prepares us for a future of sustainable excellence.”
Prof. Mmamba drew inspiration from Scripture to underline the significance of standards and quality. Referencing Genesis 6:14-16 and Exodus 25:8-9, he reminded the audience that God Himself instituted precise standards for the Ark and the Sanctuary—symbolizing the timeless importance of structure, order, and excellence.
“Even the human body is a testimony to divine standardization,” he noted. “Kidneys can be transplanted because they conform to a universal design. Similarly, by aligning with ISO 9001:2015, UEAB is stepping into a design that supports excellence, reliability, and impact.”
The Path Ahead: Implementation to Certification
Following the launch, a series of focused meetings were held with key stakeholders including university administrators, faculty, and non-academic staff. These engagements, led by Maier Consultant at the Community Centre and Amphitheatre, aimed to build awareness and ownership of the implementation process.
Prof. Mmamba outlined the implementation roadmap, which includes:
- Awareness training for all staff.
- Gap analysis and process documentation.
- Internal audits and management reviews.
- Final external certification audit.
He emphasized that quality is not an event, but a lifestyle at UEAB.
A Quality Policy Rooted in Mission and Faith
The UEAB Quality Policy Statement, formally adopted and signed during the ceremony, outlines the university’s dedication to delivering excellent academic programs, maintaining Christian standards, fulfilling stakeholder expectations, and fostering continuous improvement. This policy is a cornerstone of the ISO framework and will guide all university operations going forward.
Closing in Gratitude and Unity
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Jackson O. Ong'eta and a closing prayer by Pr. Abigael Gichaba.
As UEAB begins its journey toward ISO 9001:2015 certification, the university sets itself apart as a leader in quality-driven education. The initiative not only strengthens its internal processes but also positions UEAB as a preferred destination for students, partners, and collaborators seeking excellence backed by faith and integrity.
“May God bless UEAB as we embark on this journey of excellence.” – Prof. Msafiri Jackson Mmamba, Vice Chancellor
For more updates on the implementation of UEAB's ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, visit the Office of Quality Assurance or follow UEAB's official communication channels.