The Kenya Institute of Supply Management (KISM), in collaboration with the World Bank, has launched a 10-day Intermediate Course Training focused on the Procurement of Goods, Works, and Consulting Services for World Bank-financed projects. This significant event brings together procurement professionals from across the African continent, including participants from Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, South Sudan, the Kingdom of Eswatini, São Tomé and Príncipe, Mozambique, Somalia, and Tanzania.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kenneth Matiba, Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of KISM, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, which aligns with the institute’s goal of becoming the Pan-African Centre for Supply Chain Management. “This programme is designed to equip participants with specialised procurement methods that prioritise efficiency, quality, and value in public spending while remaining adaptable to individual countries’ situations,” Matiba stated.
The training, scheduled to run until June 14, marks a critical step towards achieving this vision. The collaborative approach of the programme is reflective of a new philosophy at KISM, which emphasizes unified and inclusive efforts in delivering high-standard education and training to supply chain professionals.
Matiba highlighted the importance of fostering peer-to-peer learning among professionals from the region. He noted that the shared experiences, challenges, and knowledge exchange are vital, especially given the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment in which they operate.
The foundation for this initiative was laid in 2018 when the World Bank and KISM signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide training materials, resource persons, and support for programme execution. This partnership has been instrumental in the development and success of the current training initiatives.
The training programme is structured into three phases: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels. This phased approach is designed to meet the growing demand for comprehensive experiential learning in procurement. The collaboration between KISM and the World Bank is described as mutually reinforcing, enhancing the capabilities of procurement professionals across the continent.
In his speech, Matiba also announced plans to rationalise KISM’s programmes to address emerging issues in the industry. These include the application of Artificial Intelligence and blockchain technology in supply chain management, as well as specialized areas such as humanitarian and health supply, transport and logistics, and inventory management.
“We are committed to offering industry-relevant content that prepares our professionals to tackle the dynamic challenges in the supply chain sector,” Matiba said.
As the training progresses, participants are expected to gain valuable insights and practical skills that will enhance their capacity to manage procurement processes more effectively. This initiative not only strengthens regional cooperation but also contributes to the overall improvement of procurement practices in Africa.
The World Bank and KISM’s collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing procurement training and establishing a robust supply chain management framework in the region. As the training continues, the participants are set to leave with enhanced skills and a deeper understanding of procurement dynamics, benefiting their respective countries and the continent at large.
