“A plan is not a strategy — a culture of quality is a strategy.”
This powerful statement set the tone for the 6th Annual Management Representatives and Auditors Conference in Mombasa this week. Leading a dynamic team from Kabarak University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat, PhD, MBS, OGW, took the stage to challenge the status quo of quality management in Kenya.
Organized by the National Quality Institute (NQI) at KEBS, this year’s conference theme, “Moving Beyond Compliance to Embedded Excellence,” brought together the country’s top auditors and management representatives.
In his keynote presentation, titled “Synergy in Systems: Coordinating for Excellence, Auditing for Impact,” Prof. Kiplangat addressed what he termed the Kenyan Quality Paradox. He posed a critical question to the delegates:
"We are certified, but are we excellent? We have the plans, procedures, and audit schedules. Yet, why does true, embedded quality feel so elusive?"
He argued that for too many institutions, quality management stops at the manual, a mere plan. True strategy, he explained, is built on a Culture of Quality.
Drawing from Kabarak University’s own journey, the Vice-Chancellor outlined a new paradigm for auditors. He emphasized that if we only audit the plan (checklists and records), we are merely checking for compliance.
To achieve Synergy in Systems, the role of the auditor must evolve. It is no longer enough to verify that a system exists; auditors must verify that the system works to produce impact. As Prof. Kiplangat noted, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge."
Prof. Kiplangat’s insights were not just theoretical; they are the principles that have propelled Kabarak University to the pinnacle of national recognition.
The University proudly attended the conference as the reigning winner of the Kenya Quality Award 2025, securing top honors in two prestigious categories:
- Best Company of the Year (Large Enterprises)
- Service of the Year (Private – Large Enterprises)
These accolades serve as proof that a well-architected system, where strategy, team, and safety are perfectly aligned, delivers tangible results.
As the conference continues at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort, the message from Kabarak University remains clear: Certifications are the starting line, not the finish line. By moving from isolated checks to integrated impact, organizations can transform "quality" from a department into a culture.
