It is yet another win for Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru as the county gets recognized for its excellent performance in public procurement and use of public resources.
The county received the Best County Supply Chain Management Function of the Year Award at the Kenya Institute of Supply Management SPURS SCM Excellence Awards 2025, cementing its position as a model of professionalism, transparency and accountability.
The award seeks to recognize and reward organizations that demonstrate supply chain practices that result in value for money and comply with the laid down regulatory frameworks.
They aim at motivating Supply Chain professionals to embrace integrity and excellence in execution of their duties.
The awarding ceremony that was held in Nairobi on Thursday was attended supply chain professionals from various organizations.
The county won a similar award in 2023.Governor Anne Waiguru said the recognition was well deserved, noting that the county has put in place robust measures to ensure cost optimization and value for money in procurement.
“This award reflects our resolve to run a law-abiding and credible county government. It builds confidence among stakeholders and reassures the public that resources are being managed prudently,” Governor Waiguru said.
She congratulated the procurement and finance teams for upholding high standards and maintaining excellence in service delivery for the people of Kirinyaga.
Kirinyaga County Director of Procurement, Kelvin Mutinda, said the award was a result of strict compliance with procurement laws, circulars and regulations, as verified through an independent evaluation that ranked the county top in adherence to established standards.
“As a county, we are very proud to have won the Best Supply Chain Management Function of the Year Award. The evaluation found Kirinyaga to be the best in compliance with procurement rules and regulations,” Mutinda said, attributing the success to Governor Waiguru’s leadership, saying she has led by example by providing guidance, support and oversight.
“Governor Waiguru has led by example. She has consistently provided guidance, support and oversight, while prioritizing training and capacity building to ensure our officers fully understand the law and uphold professional standards,” Mutinda said.
He added that the county has sustained the gains through benchmarking, prudent budgeting, and prioritization of critical expenditures, performance-based resource allocation and strategic engagement with suppliers to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the KISM SPURS Awards recognize institutions and individuals whose work has had a significant impact on the supply chain profession and the wider economy.
Congratulating the awardees, Koskei described procurement as a central profession that drives global trade and economic systems.
“You are the architects of global trade. Procurement is the profession that makes the world click,” he said.
KISM Council Chairman, John Karani, said the awards coincided with 18 years since the institute’s formation, describing the event as a platform to honor professionals who have demonstrated integrity, innovation and unwavering service to the nation.
“We are here not only to bestow honors, but also to affirm the values that guide our institute and celebrate those who embody these values with distinction,” Karani said.He congratulated Kirinyaga County and other awardees, saying their achievements continue to strengthen the credibility of the supply chain profession.
On the evaluation process, Lead Judge Sola Memba said the judging panel received 66 applications across 15 categories, with assessments completed within two weeks.
“We conducted due diligence and made comprehensive, evidence-based decisions,” Memba said.
