The Kenya institute of Supplies Management has embarked on developing professional standards of practice for procurement professionals in the public sector. The Standards of practice aims to support and guide Public Procurement professionals on how to conduct themselves as they undertake their daily professional duties and assignments.
Speaking during his opening remarks, KISM CEO Nicholas Wafula emphasized on the need to ensure a clear, efficient and effective professional standards of practice developed according to the needs of the practicing professionals.
“As we start this workshop, I hope that what we have set as goals can be achieved and we will be able to establish and develop a professional standard of practice that will be of assistance in procurement sectors. These guidelines will serve as a compass, steering professionals towards ethical decision-making and socially responsible practices.”
“For us to professionalize the public procurement field, Ethical considerations must lie at the core of these professional standards.” Added Wafula.
According to Wafula , supply chain professionals play a ‘strategic and important’ role in handling resources, finances, and information, ethical guidelines governing transparency, integrity, and responsible practices should be an integral component of the standards to be developed. The Standards have been developed to be agile with much emphasis on continuous evolution and adaptability.
“The field of supply chain management is dynamic, influenced by technological disruptions, geopolitical changes, and shifting consumer preferences. As such, the standards that we craft through this workshop will be aimed at remaining agile, accommodating changes and advancements while upholding their foundational principles.”
KISM is a national body for professionals in the practice of procurement and supply chain management in Kenya. Supply Chain Management encompasses procurement, sourcing, logistics, inventory management, and supplier relationships.
These professional standards of practice will assist in guiding the practices of professional practitioners and harmonize pieces of various legislations aimed at serving professionals in the public and private sectors.
“The complexities found in supply chains are not unique and affect all professionals in the private and public sector. The standards will not only elevate the level of professionalism within the field but also contribute to the recognition of supply chain management as a strategic function critical to organizational success.”
“We purpose to subject this draft for public participation where we expects comments from members of the Institute and stakeholders.” Wafula added.
The workshop brought together representatives from the Kenya Institute of Supplies Examination Board, Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB), The Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya (ICS) and the National Treasury.
