KENAS strengthens Internal Audit capacity with ISO 19011:2018 Training
At KENAS, excellence is not just a goal — it’s a commitment. To reinforce our pursuit of quality and continuous improvement, staff members from various departments recently undertook an in-depth training on ISO 19011:2018, Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems. This initiative, facilitated by Mr. Abraham Wekesa, Inspection & Verification Manager, and Mr. Carey Ochogo, Accreditation Officer - Calibration Laboratories, aimed to build a robust internal audit framework and elevate our accreditation processes.
Understanding ISO 19011:2018, the Standard for Auditing Management Systems
ISO 19011:2018 provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting audits of management systems. It covers essential aspects, including:
- Principles of Auditing: Integrity, fair presentation, due professional care, confidentiality, and independence.
- Managing an Audit Programme: Planning, establishing objectives, allocating resources, and monitoring performance.
- Conducting Audits: Preparing for audits, reviewing documents, conducting interviews, and reporting findings.
- Auditor Competence & Evaluation: Defining the necessary competencies, selecting qualified auditors, and continuously evaluating their performance.
The standard is applicable to all organizations that need to plan and conduct internal or external audits of management systems or manage an audit programme.
Why This Training Matters for KENAS
Training the KENAS team on ISO 19011:2018 is a strategic investment in our ability to uphold the highest standards of accreditation. Here’s why it’s crucial:
- Enhanced Internal Auditing Skills: Staff can conduct thorough, objective, and systematic audits, ensuring compliance with international standards.
- Strengthened Competence in Accreditation Processes: Auditors gain the expertise to evaluate management systems more effectively, promoting ongoing improvement.
- Increased Efficiency & Oversight: A larger pool of trained auditors enables greater audit coverage and more effective quality assurance.
The Connection to ISO 17011:2017
The training also incorporated learning on ISO 17011:2017, the standard that specifies requirements for accreditation bodies (ABs). These two standards provide a robust framework for managing audit programs, ensuring auditor competence, and reinforcing the integrity of accreditation decisions.
Building a Stronger Future
By continuously building internal capacity, KENAS reinforces its position as a leader in accreditation services. The knowledge gained from this training will empower our team to conduct more effective audits, ensure the credibility of accredited bodies, and support Kenya’s quality infrastructure with unwavering excellence.
This initiative is part of KENAS’s ongoing commitment to continuous learning and capacity building, ensuring we remain at the forefront of accreditation practices both regionally and globally.
