Kebs, Kasneb unveil first certified quality professionals in new partnership

Certified Quality Professionals graduates with their certificates after their graduation on October 25, 2025. /KEBS

The Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board have graduated the first cohort of Certified Quality Professionals, marking a major step in professionalising quality management and strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness.

The joint initiative, launched in 2019, culminated in the graduation of eight pioneering professionals, who are expected to take up roles as lead auditors, management representatives, and quality specialists across sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and services.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony Friday, Kebs Managing Director Esther Ngari hailed the milestone as a bold investment in Kenya’s future.

“We are proud to recognise the pioneering cohort of Certified Quality Professionals. This groundbreaking collaboration with Kasneb is about building a national corps of quality champions,” she said.

“These individuals are the standard bearers who will carry the culture of quality forward, ensuring excellence is not a one-time event but a sustainable legacy for generations to come.”

Ngari said the partnership reflects the agency’s broader mission of developing people and institutions that drive continuous improvement, innovation, and global competitiveness.

“These professionals represent a new generation of leaders who will champion quality in every sector, building Kenya’s reputation as a nation that values excellence,” she added.

Kasneb CEO Nicholas Letting’ congratulated the graduates, describing the collaboration as a transformative milestone in strengthening professionalism and excellence through the CQP.

“Today, we celebrate eight graduates of the Certified Quality Professional programme, a joint initiative between Kasneb and Kebs. These professionals are now equipped to work as lead auditors and management representatives, especially in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors,” he said.

“We call upon industry leaders to professionalize the role of management representatives. Investing in people is the cornerstone of building a future where quality drives competitiveness, innovation, and national growth.”

A graduand is awarded a certificate by Trade and Investment Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana as other Kasneb CEO and Kebs managing director Esther Ngari on October 25,2025/KEBS

The recognition of the first-ever cohort of CQPs marks a historic milestone in the country's quality journey.

It affirms its commitment to nurturing skilled professionals who will anchor a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across all sectors of the economy.

CQPs are experts trained and certified in quality management systems, standards, and continuous improvement. 

They ensure organisations deliver products and services that meet or exceed customer and regulatory expectations.

They are certified to implement, audit, and enhance quality systems. 

Their skills cover areas such as process improvement, statistical analysis, root cause investigation, risk-based planning, auditing, and customer satisfaction management.

Common certifications include Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM/OE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, and ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor.

Within organisations, CQPs play a key role in developing quality policies, ensuring compliance with international standards, leading continuous improvement programs, training teams, and supporting accreditation processes.

Kebs through its National Quality Institute (NQI) offers programs such as the Certified Quality Professional (CQP-K), Quality Management Systems (QMS) Lead Auditor training, and Customer Service and Business Excellence certification. 

These professionals are vital in advancing national competitiveness and promoting excellence through initiatives like KQA.