Implementation of quality management in the Kenya’s geothermal energy sector; a case of geothermal development company

Abstract

The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is a 100% state-owned company, formed by the Government of Kenya to fast track the development of geothermal resources in the country. Geothermal energy is ISO certified and fully complies with quality standards and regulations in its operations. The main objectives of the study were to determine the quality management implementation in GDC, to establish the benefits of quality management and to establish challenges of quality management implementation. Data collection was done through the use self-administered questionnaires. Analysis was done using frequency distributions and percentages to determine the profile of respondents and QM implementation, benefits and challenges were analyzed using means scores and standard deviations. The findings revealed that the most popular quality management practices adopted by GDC were: quality control, quality assurance and continual improvement. According to the findings, the benefits of implementing quality practices were: elimination of defects and wastes, reduced complaints, constant improved products and processes, organization development, increased efficiency greater consistency and improved customer satisfaction. From the results the main challenges affecting implementation of quality management in GDC were: lack of management commitment, resistance to change, negative employee attitude and internal politics. In conclusion, implementation of quality management should be encouraged in the parastals and private sectors in large for it has led to more gain in GDC in only the last three years of practice.