By Chris Oanda
There is an ongoing trend for professionals to self regulate through their respective professional associations. This makes it important for professionals to enlist and maintain membership to their respective professional bodies, which act as referees on matters of their professional conduct, experience and credentials.
Modern day supplies practice is an integral part of strategy for progressive organisations and it is generally accepted that the impact of the practice on the efficiency, effectiveness and profitability of organisations depends in equal measure upon technical expertise and integrity of the supplies practitioner.
Procurement practitioners on a day-to-day basis face numerous challenges, many of which are ethical in nature. To address these, practitioners must be firmly rooted in their profession both technically and in terms of integrity.
A code of ethics is necessary to serve as a guide for practitioners across all sectors when dealing with ethical dilemmas and as a training tool. The code presents practitioners with clear open and transparent statements of ethical principles that apply to a broad range of scenarios.
The promulgation of these guidelines recognises concerns that have been raised, from time to time, by the general public and stakeholders concerning the conduct of procurement in Kenya.
Like other professional bodies, the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) has an obligation to promote best practice among its members.
Through the Code, the institute establishes a standard against which professional conduct of members shall be evaluated. The Code further serves as a tool for self–valuation for members, and a point of reference for the Disciplinary Committee of the Institute in assessing and ruling on cases concerning the conduct of KISM members.
Primary objectives
The Code is to be understood and applied in light of its primary concern for the protection of the public interest and integrity of the supply chain management profession.
By subscribing to the Code, members of the institute agree to uphold the principles of the supplies practice as defined in the Code and to comply with all provisions set out therein.
The principles underlying specification of the Code include professionalism; integrity; value for money; objectivity; transparency; fairness; accountability and selflessness. The primary objectives of the Code include to:
(1.) Define standards of professional and ethical behaviour for the supply chain practice and provide a framework for promoting these standards;
(2.) Uphold discipline among members by guiding their conduct and providing tools for self-assessment;
(3.) Preserve integrity of the supply chain management profession;
(4.) Elevate status and recognition of the supply chain management profession;
(5.) Support implementation of established laws, regulations and policies.
To support realisation of the objectives of the Code, and in line with the vision and mission of the institute, members are at all times required to uphold and enhance the standing of the supply chain management profession and always act professionally and selflessly by;
(a) upholding high standards of integrity and morality in their private and official business relationships, and rejecting all practices that may be deemed inappropriate;
(b) never misuse their authority for personal gain;
(c) enhance the contribution of the profession to social and economic spheres of life;
(d) acquiring and maintaining current technical knowledge and acceptable standards of ethical behaviour;
(e) developing skills, expanding knowledge and conducting business in a manner that demonstrates competence and promotes stature of the supply chain management profession;
(f) supporting the developing of professional competence of peers, colleagues at work and junior professionals;
(g) optimise the use of resources which they influence and for which they are responsible to provide the maximum benefit to their employing organisation;
(h) comply wholly with applicable laws, contractual obligations and the institute’s guide to professional practice.
Penalties for breach of the Code include suspension or revocation of a member’s registration, or imposition of a fine, as provided for under paragraph 23 of the Supplies Practitioners Management Act, and prescribed regulations as amended from time to time.
Exceeding expectations
The Disciplinary Committee, established under paragraph 22 of the Supplies Practitioners Management Act, will enforce the Code in line with provision of the Act spelled out in paragraph 22 and 23.
The development of this code has taken a long time and has involved all stakeholders. I wish to register my appreciation to members of the institute and stakeholders for all contributions made towards drafting of the Code.
In conclusion, members of the Institute should undertake to work to exceed the expectations of the Code and will regard it as the basis of best conduct in the supply chain management profession.
Writer is the Chairman of Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM).
