Submission Requirements

1. Timeframe: Appeals must be formally submitted within five (5) days following the issuance of the contested certification decision.
2. Method: Submission must be made through the portal at https://professionals.icta.go.ke.
3. Acknowledgment: The submission will be logged, and the appellant will receive an acknowledgment confirming receipt within five (5) working days, sent via the same channel (email).

Required Content (The Appeal Package)

To facilitate a fair and efficient review, the appellant must clearly provide the following three items:

1. Grounds for Appeal: A clear, detailed explanation of why the original certification decision is being challenged.
2. Supporting Evidence: Any relevant documents, records, or factual information that support and substantiate the appeal.
3. Specific Decision Contested: A clear indication of the adverse decision being challenged (e.g., certification refusal, suspension, or withdrawal).

Notification to Appellant

In the acknowledgment sent within five (5) working days, the appellant shall be informed of:

1. Review Process: How the appeal will be assessed and who will be responsible for the review.
2. Expected Timelines: The anticipated duration for the appeal resolution.
3. Next Steps: Any further actions required from either the appellant or the reviewing body.

Review by Impartiality Committee

1. The Impartiality Committee, which is independent of the original decision-makers, is responsible for conducting an impartial review to ensure fairness and compliance with ISO/IEC 17024 requirements.
2. The committee reviews all relevant documentation, including the original decision and the appeal submission with all supporting evidence.
3. The final decision on the appeal will be documented and communicated in writing to the appellant within five (5) days.
4. The decision will clearly state whether the appeal is:
   1. Upheld: The appeal is successful, and corrective actions will be taken.
   2. Not Upheld: The original decision remains unchanged, and a detailed explanation will be provided.
5. The Impartiality Committee's decision is final and no further appeals on the same matter will be considered.

Record Keeping and System Improvement

1. The ICT Authority maintains comprehensive records of all complaints and appeals, including submissions, reports, decisions, and correspondence.
2. These records are stored securely for a minimum of five (5) years and are accessible for internal audits.
3. The Authority is committed to continuous improvement by regularly analyzing trends in appeals to identify recurring issues and areas for improvement.
4. The appeal procedure itself is reviewed at least every three (3) years or following significant changes to the certification process, and is accessible to relevant personnel and stakeholders via the ICTA Accreditation portal.