The certification is expected to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery and promote meaningful public participation.
The County Assembly of Bungoma has made history after becoming the first county assembly in Kenya to attain the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance institutional efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
The certification recognises the assembly’s commitment to establishing effective management systems, standardising operational processes and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in serving Bungoma residents.
The certificate was officially handed over in a ceremony attended by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Director General Esther Ngari, who was accompanied by North Rift Deputy Director Rono Birgen, Director of Standards Development and Trade Eng. Zacharia Lukorito, and Deputy Director of the Certification Body Isabella Lunani.
Speaking during the ceremony on Friday, Ngari congratulated the assembly’s leadership, members and staff for the achievement, describing it as evidence of a deliberate commitment to strengthening institutional systems and improving consistency in service delivery.
“The County Assembly of Bungoma is the first county assembly in Kenya to attain ISO 9001:2015 certification. This achievement deserves recognition, which is why I am here in person,” she said.
Ngari commended Speaker, the Clerk, Members of the County Assembly, the management representative and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful certification process.
She reaffirmed KEBS’ commitment to supporting public institutions in adopting standards that promote quality, operational excellence and improved service delivery.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who also addressed the ceremony, challenged the assembly to ensure the certification translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens rather than merely serving as a symbol of institutional achievement.
Lusaka further commended the cordial working relationship between the county executive and the legislature, noting that cooperation between the two arms of government was essential to effective governance.
“The real test of ISO 9001:2015 will not be the certificate we have received today. The real test will be whether the systems and standards we have established continue to improve the experience of ordinary citizens,” he said.
The governor urged the assembly to make it easier for residents to engage with their elected representatives and ensure public participation becomes more meaningful, inclusive and constructive.
He cautioned against practices that undermine public participation, including allowing only supporters of particular positions to dominate discussions while heckling those with opposing views.
Lusaka said the quality management framework should ultimately ensure that Bungoma residents receive consistent, efficient and quality public services.
The ISO 9001:2015 certification provides a framework for organisations to improve processes, monitor performance, address shortcomings and maintain consistent service standards.
For the County Assembly of Bungoma, the milestone places greater responsibility on its leadership and staff to sustain the standards, strengthen accountability and ensure that improved institutional performance delivers measurable benefits to the public.
As KEBS continues to promote the adoption of quality standards across institutions, the assembly’s achievement sets a benchmark for other county legislatures seeking to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.
Ultimately, the success of the certification will be measured not only by the award itself, but also by how effectively the assembly responds to residents’ concerns, facilitates public participation and delivers on its mandate.
