MMUST Management Undergoes Strategic Sensitization on Integration of Quality Management System and Information Security Management System to Enhance Resource Utilization
In an effort to fortify institutional governance and digital resilience, members of the MMUST Management Board (UMB) on 6th May, 2026, underwent an intensive training on integrating the existing ISO 9001:2015- Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO /IEC 27001:2022- Information Security Management System (ISMS). Organized by the Directorate of Quality Assurance, the training was conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in collaboration with the National Quality Institute (NQI) at the Golf Hotel, Kakamega. The training aimed at enhancing the Board’s understanding of the requirements of the two systems, on leadership and commitment to Quality Management System and Information Security Management Systems. The members were also reminded of their roles and contributions as the top management of the University, to the establishment, implementation and maintenance of these management systems.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addresses the participants during the training.
Addressing the Board, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo emphasized that the integration of QMS and ISMS is no longer optional in the present digital world. “Information security is paramount because the world has gone digital. Significant operations now occur within ISMS and it is critical for us to stay abreast of these developments. Management is fully committed to supporting this initiative to ensure we are at par with global standards,” he stated.
The Principle Quality Assurance Officer North Rift Region, Eldoret, Mr. Wilson Kosgey makes his presentations.
In his presentation, the Principle Quality Assurance Officer North Rift Region, Eldoret, Mr. Wilson Kosgey highlighted that while QMS focuses on general institutional systems, ISMS specifically safeguards information through the pillars of confidentiality, integrity, and access. “Integrating the two systems will not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen data protection and enhance overall service delivery at the University,” he asserted.
Key issues he covered during the training included; Introduction to Information, Information Security, Cyber Security and Privacy Protection; Quality Management Principles; Requirements for ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001 for Top Management; Performance Evaluation of QMS and ISMS; and the Roadmap to QMS and ISMS Certification.
The Director Quality Assurance, Prof. Danstone Lilechi (left) with members of UMB during the training.
The Director Quality Assurance, Prof. Danstone Lilechi appreciated KEBS for the technical guidance. He confirmed that the proposal for the integration will soon be tabled in the University Management Meeting for further deliberation and action. Further, he committed to cascade the training program to staff to ensure that both management and staff are well-equipped to implement and maintain these global standards.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho keenly follow the presentations.
Notably one of the key highlights of the sessions was the discussions around the upcoming release of the new ISO 9001:2026 standard, expected in September this year. Mr. Kosgey noted that it will be easier for the institution to synchronize the transition to the 2026 QMS version with the implementation of the new ISMS. He pointed out that the three-year window to transition to new standards will provide MMUST with a strategic period to fuse both systems seamlessly.
By Caren Nekesa and Simiyu N. Frida
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
