National Dialogue

The Supply Chain National dialogue was first held in December 2021 and is designed to take place every two years. The supply chain dialogue was established by Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) with a view of conglomerating supply chain practitioners and other stakeholders to discuss supply chain management matters in relation to promoting socioeconomic growth in the country.
The conference takes cognizance of the significant role of supply chain management in the overall growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The objective of the conference is to highlight matters affecting supply chain management at a national level and provide solutions through best practices that will lead to economic development. For meaningful impact and collaboration, the conference draws participation from the Government, private sector, public entities, counties, not for profit organizations, civil societies, academic institutions, and all business enterprises.

The National Dialogue is the premier event that convenes top Procurement and Supply Chain Management professionals, influential industry leaders, forward-thinking policymakers, and engaged civil society voices to confront the most pressing challenges reshaping the nation’s supply chain landscape. This year’s dialogue promises to be transformative, diving deep into the latest strides in the fight against endemic corruption and the ambitious acceleration of procurement reforms. By fostering collaboration and bold action, this forum aims to redefine standards, drive transparency, and forge a resilient, accountable supply chain ecosystem that will set a new benchmark for the region.

Kenya’s economy relies heavily on the efficiency and effectiveness of its supply chains, which are vital for the distribution of goods, services, and resources. However, the sector faces challenges such as fragmentation, limited technology adoption, and suboptimal sustainability practices. These challenges hinder the ability of Kenyan industries, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to effectively participate in and contribute to the nation’s economic development.

To address these challenges and unlock the full potential of Kenya’s Supply Chain ecosystem, the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management brings together its Members, Regional Professional Bodies, Partners, and other stakeholders to a national dialogue on supply chain management matters affecting the country and the profession. This event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and supply chain practitioners to facilitate knowledge-sharing, foster collaboration, and develop strategies to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of national supply chains.

The theme encapsulates the core objectives and strategic focus of this important event. This theme has been carefully crafted to address the critical challenges and unlock the vast potential of Kenya’s supply chain ecosystem, aligning with the country’s overarching economic development priorities.

The focus on strengthening national supply chains underscores this year’s priorities in developing robust, resilient, and interconnected supply chain networks within Kenya. The program will explore strategies to empower and support Kenyan practitioners and players in SCM, foster collaboration and connectivity among supply chain stakeholders, and enhance the overall competitiveness and responsiveness of the country’s supply chain ecosystem.

The dialogue recognizes the pivotal role of the private sector, particularly industries and SMEs, in driving economic growth and development through effective supply chain management. The event will foster extensive engagement and collaboration with private sector stakeholders, including industry associations, professional bodies, and individual enterprises, to ensure that the discussions and outcomes are aligned with the practical realities and needs of businesses operating within the Kenyan supply chain landscape.

“Empowering National Supply Chains for Innovation, Resilience and Global Competitiveness”

The national dialogue on supply chain management in Kenya has been carefully designed to align with the country’s key economic development priorities, as outlined in the government’s policy frameworks and development plans. Specifically, the program addresses the following government priorities:

i. Vision 2030: The program’s emphasis on technology, digital transformation, and global competitiveness contributes to the realization of Kenya’s long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030.
ii. BETA Agenda: The national dialogue incorporates elements of the BETA Agenda, which focuses on Boosting manufacturing, enhancing agricultural productivity, transforming urban areas, and Attaining universal healthcare.
iii. Pan-African Agenda: The program’s consideration of globalization, localization, and regional trade agreements reflects Kenya’s commitment to the Pan-African Agenda and its aspiration to be a regional economic powerhouse.

The primary objectives of this national dialogue on supply chain management in Kenya are:
i. To provide a platform for local and regional stakeholders to deliberate on the key challenges and opportunities in strengthening national supply chains within the global economic landscape.
ii. To explore strategies and best practices for industries and SMEs to become key drivers of economic development through effective supply chain management.
iii. To examine the role of technology, e-government procurement, and digital transformation in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of supply chains.
iv. To discuss the importance of sustainability, ethics, and professionalism in supply chain management, and their impact on long-term business and economic growth.
v. To foster collaboration, connectivity, and knowledge-sharing among supply chain practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to develop a comprehensive policy framework for the Kenyan supply chain ecosystem.

The national dialogue is expected to yield the following key outcomes:
i. Identification of actionable strategies and policy recommendations to empower industries and SMEs as catalysts for economic development through supply chain optimization.
ii. Insights on the barriers and enablers for the widespread adoption of technology, e-government procurement, and digital solutions in supply chain management.
iii. A shared understanding of the importance of sustainability, ethical practices, and professional development in building resilient and responsible supply chains.
iv. Strengthened collaboration and connectivity among supply chain stakeholders, leading to the establishment of strategic alliances and partnerships.
v. A comprehensive position paper that will guide the development of a policy framework to support the strengthening of national supply chains in Kenya.

Among others, the event will convene The National Treasury, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority-Kenya, Public Procurement Regulatory Authorities in other East and Central African countries, Academia, Researchers, Policy Makers, Financiers, Procurement and Supply Chain Management Practitioners, Legal Practitioners, NGOs, Procurement and Supply Chain Professional Bodies in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda.

To register for the conference, please book online via events.kism.or.ke.

For inquiries and registration, please contact:
0769 878 227 / 0111024800 or e-mail programs@kism.or.ke