CIPS opens Kenya office to strengthen procurement profession across East Africa

Nairobi, Kenya - The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), a global leader in procurement and supply management, officially opened its first office in Kenya in the bustling capital city of Nairobi on August 15. The opening of the CIPS UK Kenya office, held at a prestigious Nairobi hotel, marks a significant step in strengthening the procurement profession and expanding CIPS' influence across East Africa.

The launch event was graced by key stakeholders, including chief procurement officers, supply chain leaders, regulators, academics, and corporate partners. CIPS Global Chief Executive Ben Farrell, MBE, emphasized the organization's long-term commitment to the professionalization of procurement across the continent. He announced that Nairobi would host an annual Pan-African procurement conference on March 2-3, 2027, bringing together procurement and supply professionals from across the continent.

CIPS' presence in Kenya was strengthened through a series of engagements just prior to the office opening. Chief Executive Farrell addressed the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) conference in Mombasa, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KISM to bolster collaboration and professional development within the procurement profession.

Additionally, discussions took place with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) on professionalization and the adoption of global standards in public procurement.

Gladys Gacheru, CIPS Business Development Manager, highlighted that the Nairobi office will serve as a local platform to support professionals and organizations across East Africa. Kenya, being the gateway to East Africa, provides a strategic location for CIPS to offer its qualifications, membership, corporate programs, and professional development services. The office will help organizations strengthen their procurement capabilities and professional standards.

CIPS' commitment to promoting ethical procurement practices was evident at the Nairobi launch, as Absa Bank Kenya, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Kenya, and KCB Bank Kenya received the CIPS Corporate Ethical Kite Mark. This recognition reflects the increasing importance of integrity, transparency, and responsible decision-making in procurement and supply chains.

As global disruptions, supply-chain resilience, sustainability, and technology reshape the procurement profession, CIPS CEO Farrell urged procurement professionals to take greater ownership of their organizations' outcomes, saying: "It is time to own the outcome."