Why 40pc of local supply chain practitioners are quacks

The CEO Kenya Institute of Supplies Management Kenneth Matiba flanked by board members addresses the press in Naivasha on June 2, 2025. [Antony Gitonga, Standard] Over 40 per cent of supply chain practitioners in the country are either incompetent, operating illegally, or unqualified. According to the latest data from the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), counties are the most affected, with a majority of staff in the procurement departments deemed unfit for their positions. This information follows a nationwide compliance check by KISM, which targeted 109 institutions and found that 15 per cent of the practitioners were practising illegally. Chief Executive Kenneth Matiba said yesterday the audit, which spanned 20 ministries, 13 counties, 21 private institutions, and 55 state corporations, revealed a troubling trend of noncompliance among practitioners. Speaking in Naivasha, Matiba highlighted that counties were the major hub of noncompliance, with many practitioners lacking the valid licenses required to operate under the Supply and Procurement Management Act. He said unlicensed officers in the sector jeopardise the legitimacy of procurement deals and processes, particularly in light of increasing corruption and irregularities within these departments. "The institute has recorded a high noncompliance rate of 42 per cent with relevant supply and procurement laws across all sectors, prompting us to take action against this concerning trend," said Matiba. To address this issue, the institute has partnered with county governments and private entities to enhance capabilities and ensure all officers comply with the law. "The institute has initiated disciplinary proceedings against 116 practitioners found operating without a licence, and the disciplinary committee has decided that 93 of these cases will proceed for hearings," he added. KISM Chairman John Karani warned that professionals who are licensed but violate procurement laws risk being debarred and prevented from practising. Mr Karani noted that the institute, which has over 25,000 members, aims to enhance professionalism in the sector, and several members are already facing disciplinary and administrative actions. "So far, we have sanctioned two individuals for violating supply and procurement laws, and with 93 active cases, the institute will pursue possible sanctions, including deregistration," he said. He said they have collaborated with the Education Ministry to ensure value-for-money procurement and promote professionalism in the 33,000 schools across the country. Regarding the rollout of e-government procurement, Mr Karani said the institute is cooperating with the National Treasury to ensure a smooth transition to the digitised system, which will enhance transparency and accountability in the sector. "We are working with the judiciary to train its council members on writing judgements and to strengthen its disciplinary committee," he said. Last September, the institute conducted compliance checks in five public institutions over two weeks, uncovering 17 officers practising without the required licensure and registration. "We are committed to promoting professionalism in supply chain management. These checks are crucial in ensuring that only qualified and registered practitioners are handling our public resources," said the CEO, Mr Mbatia, at the time. The institutions under scrutiny include the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya, and the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC). KISM warned that it will take necessary legal steps against the non-compliant officers and their employers, noting that this crackdown is not KISM's first attempt to root out unqualified personnel. The institute has been working to streamline the profession and combat fraud in public procurement. According to KISM's database, there are currently 10,000 registered members, while the country has more than 23,000 practitioners. The institute has also completed disciplinary proceedings for 45 cases of professional misconduct. These cases, primarily involving practitioners from the county governments of Homabay and Vihiga, resulted in fines, reprimands, and pending judgments. KISM plans to make these judgments public to deter future non-compliance.

Why 40pc of local supply chain practitioners are quacks

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