CIPS opens Kenya office to strengthen procurement profession in East Africa

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) has officially opened its Kenya office in Nairobi as it seeks to strengthen procurement and supply management standards across Kenya and East Africa.

The new office, launched at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, will provide access to CIPS qualifications, membership, corporate programmes and professional development for procurement professionals and organisations in the region.

The launch was led by CIPS Global Chief Executive Ben Farrell, MBE, who said the organisation was committed to establishing a long-term presence in Africa.

“We’re here, we’re here to stay, and we’re firmly committed to the professionalisation of procurement across this continent,” Farrell told guests.

Farrell also announced that Nairobi will host a Pan-African procurement conference on March 2–3, bringing together procurement and supply professionals from across the continent.

The opening followed a series of engagements between CIPS and key stakeholders in Kenya aimed at strengthening the procurement profession.

Earlier in the week, Farrell addressed the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) conference in Mombasa, where CIPS and KISM signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration and professional development within the sector.

CIPS also held talks with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) on the professionalisation of procurement and adoption of global standards in public procurement.

CIPS East Africa General Manager Letticia Nkumbula said Kenya was strategically positioned to serve as the organisation's regional base.

“Kenya is the gateway to every corner of East Africa. Organisations that want a presence in the region start by looking at Kenya, and so did we,” she said.

CIPS Business Development Manager Gladys Gacheru said the organisation would also help employers assess procurement capabilities, identify skills gaps and improve professional standards.

“Procurement is increasingly a function that enables growth, resilience and innovation, and enables organisations to compete,” Gacheru said.

The launch also saw Absa Bank Kenya, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Kenya and KCB Bank Kenya awarded the CIPS Corporate Ethical Kite Mark for their commitment to embedding ethical procurement practices within their organisations.

The recognition underscores the growing focus on integrity, transparency and responsible decision-making in procurement and supply chains.

The Nairobi office opening coincided with CIPS' global “Great Conversation”, a consultation examining the skills and competencies that will be required by procurement professionals as organisations navigate geopolitical disruptions, supply-chain resilience, sustainability, technology and artificial intelligence.

Farrell said procurement was evolving from a function primarily focused on cost management to one increasingly responsible for organisational resilience and continuity.

“Where cost was a primary driver for supply, people are now talking about resilience, both in the private and public sectors,” he said.

He urged procurement professionals to take greater responsibility for their organisations' performance and outcomes.

“It is time to own the outcome,” Farrell said.

CIPS said the Nairobi office would serve as a local platform for supporting procurement professionals and organisations across East Africa while promoting internationally recognised standards and ethical practices in the profession.