GMP Services Ltd Reaccredited by KENAS for ISO/IEC 17025:2017

On 25th September 2024, GMP Services Ltd, a leading provider of calibration and testing services, was proudly reaccredited by KENAS for the third time. This reaffirmation, under the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, underscores GMP Services' continued commitment to providing high-quality services. During the ceremonial presentation at KENAS headquarters, GMP's CEO, Ms. Winrose Chemutai, expressed her gratitude, noting that their consistent accreditation has strengthened client trust in their services.

As one of KENAS's larger accredited clients, GMP Services Ltd operates both a Calibration Laboratory and a Testing Laboratory. Ms. Chemutai highlighted the convenience offered to clients, stating that they no longer need to seek separate facilities for their testing and calibration needs. GMP Services is truly a one-stop solution.

The company's Calibration Laboratory covers three key fields: Mass, Pressure, and Temperature. This allows GMP to calibrate a range of instruments such as non-automatic weighing balances, industrial pressure gauges, and oven-closed chambers. The Testing Laboratory, on the other hand, offers two main fields: Microbiology, where enumerative tests are conducted, and Chemistry, which handles gravimetric, spectrophotometric, and physical tests. These capabilities ensure that clients from diverse sectors can rely on GMP’s services for both testing and calibration under one roof. With future plans to expand their calibration scope, GMP Services is poised to offer even more comprehensive solutions.

The Importance of Accreditation for Calibration and Testing Laboratories

Accreditation of calibration and testing laboratories is crucial as it demonstrates a facility's competence to carry out specific tasks in line with international standards. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation enhances confidence in laboratory results, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and reliability. Clients are assured that a third party, such as KENAS, has thoroughly evaluated the laboratory’s operations, technical capabilities, and quality systems. This independent verification builds trust with customers, regulators, and stakeholders.

For GMP Services Ltd, the reaccreditation process has not only solidified their reputation but has also simplified interactions with clients. As noted by the company's Quality Assurance Manager, Peter Cherop, clients trust the quality of GMP’s services without needing extensive verification, knowing that the laboratory operates under strict standards of excellence.

What is Calibration?

Calibration is the process of adjusting or verifying the accuracy of measuring instruments. In simple terms, calibration ensures that instruments used in various sectors are providing accurate readings. Whether it’s a thermometer, a scale, or an industrial pressure gauge, proper calibration is critical to ensure the equipment performs correctly.

Calibration plays a vital role in our daily lives. From the scales used in grocery stores to the speedometers in cars, these devices need to be accurate to ensure safety, fairness, and reliability. In industries such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and aviation, accurate instruments are essential to meet regulatory standards and avoid costly errors.

The Role of Testing

Testing involves assessing the properties or performance of a product, service, or process. Testing laboratories play a crucial role in determining whether products meet certain quality, safety, or environmental standards. This ensures that they are safe and fit for their intended use.

In our daily lives, testing is everywhere—whether it’s the microbiological analysis of food to check for harmful bacteria, the chemical testing of water to ensure it’s safe for drinking, or product testing to verify the durability of a smartphone. Without testing, consumers, businesses, and regulators would be left to rely on guesswork, leading to potential safety risks and reduced consumer confidence.

Benefits of KENAS Accreditation

As part of its mission, KENAS offers accreditation services that empower businesses like GMP Services Ltd to maintain high levels of operational excellence. The benefits of accreditation extend far beyond just the certificate. For GMP Services Ltd, accreditation:

1.        Enhances competitiveness: It opens doors for businesses to work with more clients, especially in sectors where certification is a prerequisite.

2.       Boosts customer confidence: Clients trust accredited services because they know the results are accurate, reliable, and independently verified.

3.        Increases market access: Accredited organizations are more likely to be trusted by regulators, consumers, and international markets.

4.       Fosters continual improvement: The accreditation process encourages laboratories to regularly evaluate their systems and procedures, leading to ongoing improvement in service quality.

At KENAS, we also provide training programs that equip laboratories with the knowledge to stay compliant with emerging trends and standards. Our programs, tailored for both testing and calibration laboratories, cover key areas such as internal quality audits, risk management, method validation, and uncertainty measurement. GMP Services Ltd is already looking forward to engaging with KENAS on more training initiatives to enhance their capacity and stay current in the evolving accreditation landscape.

Conclusion

GMP Services Ltd’s third reaccreditation demonstrates their unwavering commitment to quality. With KENAS accreditation, they’ve been able to offer reliable calibration and testing services, ensuring that their clients can depend on their results. KENAS remains committed to enhancing standards and delivering trust through its comprehensive accreditation schemes, empowering businesses to meet the growing demands of today's competitive market.