Daystar University conducts ISO Awareness Training for staff

Faculty and Staff at Daystar university gather in large numbers during the ISO Awareness Training, demonstrating a shared commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement at Daystar University.

By Victoria Mumbi

[14th April 2026] Daystar University staff were taken through ISO awareness training at the Nairobi and Athi River campuses on 13th April and 14th April respectively.  This was part of the University’s preparations for an impending external quality audit for ISO certification.

At the Nairobi Campus, the training took place at the DAC Auditorium while at Athi River Campus, staff had an opening plenary session at the Amphitheatre before going into breakout sessions in the Senate Room for faculty, ICT Theatre for administrative staff.

The training was facilitated by officials from Sleek Management Consultancy represented by Mr. Charles Abebi and Mr. Erick Makori.

It attracted members of top University leadership including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban P. Ayiro; Deputy Vice Chancellor (ARSA), Prof. Samuel Muriithi; Deputy Vice Chancellor (FAP), Prof. Muturi Wachira; members of Management Board, the Senate, and staff from various departments.

In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor underscored that ISO should not be perceived merely as a compliance requirement, but as a culture to be embraced. He described ISO as a discipline rather than a one-time activity, emphasizing the importance of integrity in all undertakings. Quoting Luke: 16:10, Prof. Ayiro encouraged staff to be faithful in small responsibilities as a basis for greater accountability.

Prof. Ayiro further highlighted the significance of transparency and accountability, noting that “the ISO journey is a story of resilience and sustained vision.” Citing Galatians 6:9, he urged staff not to grow weary in doing good, encouraging them to view internal audits as opportunities for learning and continuous improvement.

On documentation, he stressed the need to make records up-to-date, traceable and accessible in line with Habakkuk 2:2: “Write the vision and make it plain.” He further emphasized that integrity must be reflected in all documentation, calling for accuracy and truthfulness in record-keeping.

The Vice Chancellor also identified factors that could hinder ISO certification, including inadequate documentation, unresolved Corrective Action Requests (CARs), limited awareness, and system misalignment. He urged staff to take ownership, address existing gaps, align institutional processes, and support one another throughout the journey.

“You are not merely pursuing certification; you are redefining quality as a moral responsibility and a spiritual act of stewardship,” he remarked.

The ISO Management Representative (MR) Prof. Muturi Wachira encouraged staff to commit to continuous improvement particularly in addressing non-conformities, and to adoption a culture that reflects Christ both in conduct and practice.

On his part, the DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi said ISO is centred on quality standards, and urged staff to leverage it as a tool to elevate the university to greater heights.

One of the trainers, Mr. Makori, noted that ISO 9001:2015 is based on Deming’s Plan, Do, Check and Act (P-D-C-A) cycle, adding that organizations of all types and sizes recognize the need to satisfy their customers.

“As an internationally accepted standard, ISO 9001:2015 has become a world benchmark for good management practices,” he said, adding that it clarifies what an organization should do and how things should be done following the P-D-C-A cycle to ensure continuous improvement. 

Mr. Charles Abebi, reiterated Mr. Makori’s sentiments, noting that ISO is designed to enhance customer satisfaction. He explained that a Quality Management System is anchored on several key principles, including customer focus, people engagement, process approach, continuous improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management.

He further attributed key benefits to the implementation of a Quality Management System, such as continual improvement, improved stakeholder satisfaction, sustainability, international recognition, and enhanced operational effectiveness.

Mr. Abebi also pointed out the pitfalls of a deficient Quality Management System, which he said may arise from a lack of top management commitment, excessive documentation, and resistance to change.

A cross-section of some of the Daystar University faculty and staff who attended the ISO Awareness Training at the Main Campus.