This archive report was first published on 21 June 2021.
On June 21, 2021, Kenya Railways made history by becoming the first state corporation in Kenya to be awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The certification, which was granted in two separate certificates, is a testament to the corporation's commitment to quality management and customer satisfaction.
According to the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Ukur Yatani, the certification is a significant milestone that will have a positive impact on the economy. In a speech read on his behalf by Chief Administrative Secretary for The National Treasury, Nelson Gaichuhie, Yatani noted that the certification will enable Kenya Railways to provide better services to its clients and contribute to the country's economic growth.
"The real impact must be felt by the public who are the beneficiaries of the projects and services being offered by Kenya Railways," Yatani said. "Kenya Railways must therefore ensure that the gains made are maintained and that any inefficiencies are identified and uprooted so that the desired outcomes can be achieved," he added.
As part of its efforts to improve its services, the government had set aside Sh27 billion in the 2021-2022 National Budget to support the railway transport sub-sector. This move is in line with the government's agenda of achieving seamless connection of the Standard Gauge Railway and Metre Gauge Railway lines to give Kenya more capacity in serving its neighboring economies.
Kenya Railways Managing Director, Phillip Mainga, expressed his gratitude to KEBS for the certification, saying it was a confirmation that the corporation was on the right track towards realizing its vision. "This QMS ISO Certification will benefit Kenya Railways in many ways, such as better resource management, reduced wastage, increased operational efficiency, and most importantly, enhanced customer service delivery," he said.
