Towards an integrated national quality award in Kenya

Purpose – This paper aims to detail quality award initiatives in Kenya and to propose an integrated national quality award. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses sectoral quality initiatives and award schemes operational in Kenya. The KQA and COYA schemes' objectives, procedures, examination criteria, principles and frameworks are discussed and lists of respective award recipients presented. A national quality award scheme integrating these initiatives and awards modelled on the Brazilian national quality award is then proposed for adoption. Findings – While the quality revolution is increasingly being felt in several sectors of the Kenyan economy, courtesy of several sectoral quality initiatives and award schemes, nonetheless, these seem inadequate and cannot keep pace with global competition; hence the need for a national quality award with an expanded mandate, thrust and appeal beyond the narrow sectoral confines. Originality/value – The paper brings to the attention of practitioners the need for integration of quality initiatives and awards into a national quality award.