ISO Certification in Kenya – What You Need to Know

Businesses in Kenya are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of international standards and how they can help them reach new markets and stay competitive on the global stage. One such standard is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification, which has become quite popular and stands out as an important benchmark of quality in an increasingly interconnected marketplace. If you’re considering ISO certification in Kenya, here are just a few reasons why you should consider doing so as soon as possible.

What is an ISO Certificate?

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide organization that sets standards and certifies. The ISO certificate is a stamp of authorization by an independent body that an organization adheres to according to any of the ISO standards that are published ISO. The ISO standard is also known as the International Standardization Organization or the International Standards Organization.

Main Benefits of ISO Certification in Kenya

In the current competitive environment of doing business, it is essential for an organization to be ISO certified. There are many benefits of going ISO certification in Kenya which are listed below: 

1. Customer Satisfaction

For a business, an ISO certification in Kenya can be incredibly beneficial because it boosts customer satisfaction. When a company is ISO-certified, they need to meet strict requirements and stay up-to-date with industry standards. This will help ensure that your company has the best products or services available and is meeting expectations.

2. Global Recognition

It is a stamp of authorization by an independent body that an organization adheres to according to any of the standards created that are published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). It is a quality assurance seal that helps organizations attain credibility and achieve recognition. The ISO certification in Kenya ensures the company’s ability to produce quality products and services. This enables them to offer these products or services anywhere with confidence and conviction. 

This stamp is recognized worldwide, which means it cannot be duplicated.

3. Better Business Opportunities

A certificate of ISO certification is an international seal that shows your customers that you are a reliable and responsible organization. It also gives you better business options by opening doors for trading partners, financing, and more business opportunity.

4. Continual Quality and Performance

It is often perceived as a symbol of quality and performance, with the company being assessed being assured that all its products meet the international standard requirements and that they will be accepted internationally. The certificate also proves that there have been no modifications made or deviations from the original specifications.

7 Most Preferred ISO Certification in Kenya

There are many types of ISO standards that an organization can choose from, depending on what they need. The most common ones are ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems, ISO 27001:2013 for information security management systems, ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management systems, and OHSAS 18001:2007 for occupational health and safety. There are also some other less common ones like the ISO 22000:2018 series for food safety or the ISO 50001:2011 Standard on energy management systems.

ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 is a set of quality management standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that sets out the requirements for a company to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customers’ requirements. The ISO certification process is divided into five main sections: planning, implementation, continual improvement, assessment, and certification. Organizations must complete each section satisfactorily before proceeding with the next one.

ISO 14001 Certification

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management that specifies the requirements and guidance for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). The ISO 14001 certification helps companies reduce their impacts on the environment, increase efficiency and contribute to a healthier world. Getting certified with ISO 14001 demonstrates a company’s commitment to continuous improvement, protecting natural resources, and meeting customer need.

ISO 45001 Certification

ISO 45001 is a standard that establishes requirements for occupational health and safety management systems. It was released as an update to OHSAS 18001. It’s a system that has been designed to provide guidelines and requirements for the development, implementation, operation and continual improvement of a quality occupational health and safety management system. The ISO 45001 standard is applicable to all organizations, regardless of size and type, that need a system for risk prevention and control. 

The process for ISO 45001 certification is similar to other standards.

ISO 27001 Certification

The ISO 27001 certification is an international standard for information security management. The standard specifies a set of requirements applicable to all organizations that have processes, functions, or activities that involve the use and/or processing of sensitive or confidential information. This includes virtually any organization that deals with private data, such as healthcare providers, financial institutions, and government agencies.

ISO 22000 Certification

An ISO 22000 certificate is a stamp of authorization by an independent body that an organization adheres to according to any of the standards created that are published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). It helps the company improve its quality management system and gives assurance that they are meeting the strictest international standards. This helps not only the customers but also employees who can rely on this certification as they know they will be working with a reputable company.

ISO 50001 Certification

To achieve ISO 50001 certification, your organization will need to prove that it is compliant with an energy management system that you have designed and implemented. There are a number of different ways for you and your company to be able to do this.

ISO 20000 Certification

The ISO 20000 Standard is a managerial, non-prescriptive, integrated best practice process for the design, development, and operation of an organization. It provides a framework with which organizations can assess their current state of performance and establish appropriate targets for improvement.

We Support Across Kenya:

ISO Certification in Nairobi | ISO Certification in Kisumu | ISO Certification in Eldoret

Requirements for ISO Certification in Kenya?

A Certificate of Conformity can be obtained by the organization from a certified and accredited certification body for ISO certification in Kenya. To get ISO certification, you need to first ensure that your products or services comply with international standards. The next step is to find out which of the standards apply, and then decide whether an individual company or a system should be certified. Last but not least, you will have to find a certification body (CB) that can certify your organization.

Select the type of ISO Certification required for your business in Kenya

The first step is to decide on the type of ISO Certification Standard required for the company. Depending on the type of certificate needed, there are different levels of ISO certification that can be obtained.

Choosing an ISO Certification Body in Kenya

There are many ISO certification bodies to choose from. One of the most popular is BSI, TUV, Bureau Veritas, and DNV which have an ISO certification cost of Shilling 225000 – Shilling 850000. When deciding on an ISO registrar for your ISO certification in Kenya, it’s important to research and find out what their experience is like and whether or not they have any complaints against them.

When choosing an ISO Registrar or ISO Certification Body, take note of these things:

• Does the registrar offer a variety of certificates? 
• What are the prices of each certificate? 
• Does the registrar provide any other services like training or consulting? 
• How long does it take for a certificate to be issued?  If you’re trying to get an ISO certification in Kenya, make sure they’re adhering to what are the CASCO standards.
• Is the Certification Body is listed in IAF CertSearch Portal?
• Do you find the Accredited Body listed in International Accreditation Forum?

List of IAF Accredited ISO Certification Bodies in Kenya

• Kenya Bureau of Standards
• Uganda National Bureau of Standards
• INNOQ – Instituto Nacional de Normalização e Qualidade

Step-by-step Process of ISO Certification in Kenya

– The process of certification in Kenya includes two general steps. The first step is the application and the second step is the audit. 

– The application phase involves meeting the requirements for certification and applying for it as well. In the second phase, an external auditor from an accredited certification body will assess its compliance with ISO standards then perform any required tests or audits, and prepare a report that becomes the basis for deciding whether you should be certified or not. The applicant must then submit this report to ISO for approval or rejection before proceeding with any other actions. 

Achieving ISO certification in Kenya is a challenging task that cannot be accomplished by a single person but rather through a team effort on behalf of all employees.

Step 1. Create an application or contract papers

Once you have decided that it is time to pursue ISO certification in Kenya, the first thing you should do is create an application or contract paper between you and a registrar. This document will detail what kind of certificate you are pursuing and include all liability issues between your organization and the registrar.

Step 2. Reviews of Quality Documents

Documents that may be required for ISO certification registration: 

1. Copy of the company’s Certificate of Incorporation
2. List of Shareholders
3. Copy of the list of Directors
4. Resolution from the Board of Directors about ISO certification
5. A letter from the senior-most person authorizing the certification process

Step 3. Create An Action Plan

The ISO certification is one of the most important aspects of a company’s branding, and as such, it can be crucial that your company has this certification. If you are serious about achieving ISO certification, then you will need to follow these steps: 

• Define the product or service being offered.
• Prepare and submit your application for ISO certification.
• Identify the standards that need to be followed for the given industry through gap analysis.
• Ensure compliance with these standards by implementing changes or taking corrective action if necessary.

Step 4. Certification Audit

The audit is the process of reviewing an organization’s compliance with the requirements of a specific ISO standard. The auditor will review and assess documentation, processes, products, services, and any other relevant aspects of your organization. The auditor may auditor will check whether all the non-conformities are familiar with your organization’s business or products.

Step 5. Get ISO Certificate

In order to get an ISO certificate, you need to have a Quality Management System Manual against one of the ISO standards. This is the basic requirement that needs to be met before a certification body can issue an ISO certificate for your organization.

Step 6. Certificate Renewal

• The certificate is valid for a period of 3 years. 
• In order to renew the certificate, the company must provide evidence that they have completed an ISO audit. 
• It is imperative that the renewal be done before the current certificate expires.

How to Check ISO Certificate Validity Online?

To check if an ISO certificate is legitimate or not, visit the International Organization for Standardizations international verification portal and look for that particular certification body under their Accredited Certification Bodies section. If the organization is listed there, then it’s a valid one. It’s important to be careful when looking at the expiration date on any of these certificates because they are only valid for five years after they are issued.

What is the Cost of ISO Certification in Kenya?

The cost of ISO certification varies from company to company, and there is no set price for the certificate. Our pricing for ISO certification in Kenya varies from Shilling 50000 – Shilling 500000. The price will depend on the following factors.

• Size and Complexity of the Organization
• Scope and Level of certification they need

The good news is that there are tailor-made to help you out with this process, so it won’t be difficult at all.

Need Help with ISO Certification in Kenya?

We at Gladias Consulting know what it takes to grow your business. ISO Certification in Kenya is a powerful business improvement tool, providing the framework and guidance you need to help you consistently meet your customer’s expectations and regulatory requirements and continual improvement.

Once you understand the importance of the ISO Certification Standard for your company, Gladias ISO consultants come into the picture to assist your organization with customized ISO certifications procedures, we at Gladias ISO certification company are confident of using our expertise in providing you with the ISO Certification.

Gladias Consulting is a team of skilled ISO experts who aim in providing all guidance to organizations across the globe to get them ISO certified. We are one of the well-recognized and leading certification providers in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and various other locations across the globe at affordable prices for every industry sector.