Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kenneth Matiba has issued a rallying call to procurement and supply chain professionals across Africa, urging them to lead and innovate responsibly in order to safeguard the continent’s resources and drive transformational growth.
He was speaking Saturday (25/4) at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, moments after receiving the prestigious African Prestige 100 Honoris Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and performance.
Mr. Matiba challenged procurement professionals to serve selflessly, underscoring that the continent’s forward march will be determined not by the abundance of its natural wealth, but by the prudence with which that wealth is managed.
“Africa’s future will not be defined by resources, but by how well we manage them,” Mr. Matiba said. “This award is not just recognition—it is a responsibility. A responsibility to lead, to innovate, and to serve with integrity. Let us rise to that calling—because the true power of supply leadership is service, and the true potential of service is Africa.”
The African Prestige 100 Honoris Awards, presented by Aspire West Africa, is one of Africa’s most respected platforms celebrating excellence, leadership and transformative impact. The annual Honours spotlight the top 100 trailblazers—visionary CEOs, nation builders, industry giants and pioneering creators—whose influence drives progress, inspires innovation and elevates the African narrative globally.
Mr. Matiba was feted for his pivotal role in professionalizing Kenya’s public procurement and supply chain sector, as well as the collective strides made by KISM under his stewardship in embedding transparency, ethics and innovation in the management of public resources.
In his acceptance remarks, the CEO dedicated the award to the Institute’s stakeholders, saying the recognition mirrored a wider institutional and national commitment to procurement excellence.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. I accept this award with gratitude to our stakeholders—our members, partners, and institutions—whose trust and collaboration continue to drive excellence in our profession. To the KISM Council, management, and staff, this reflects your dedication and shared commitment,” he said.
The award comes as Kenya accelerates bold procurement reforms. Through the Supplies Practitioners Management Act, KISM has enforced mandatory registration and licensing of procurement professionals, tightened the code of ethics, and rolled out professional certification to lock out rogue practitioners.
The Institute’s recently launched strategic plan prioritises digital transformation, continuous professional development, and deeper collaboration with government to embed value-for-money principles across all public spending.
These measures are progressively reshaping public procurement into a strategic, transparent and accountable function—shifting it from a back-office process to a frontline driver of national development.
