The Global Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), Ben Farrell, is in Kenya for a week-long mission to strengthen procurement standards and supply chain practices across East Africa.
Running from 8 to 15 August, the visit has brought together senior government officials, academics, and industry leaders in a series of strategic meetings designed to reinforce CIPS’ presence in the region’s fast-evolving supply chain sector.
Farrell’s itinerary began with high-level discussions with Kenya’s senior government representatives, as well as courtesy visits to academic leaders, including the Vice Chancellor of KCA University.
Engagements with other academic institutions are also under way, with plans to establish a CIPS study centre in Kenya.
The trip has a strong academic focus, with Farrell delivering keynote speeches at KCA University and Daystar University. “The visit is a phenomenal step towards the establishment of a CIPS Kenyan office.
With the key government engagements, we wish to underscore CIPS’ commitment to working closely with regulatory bodies to enhance procurement standards and governance across the region,” said Farrell.
One of the key highlights will be the flagship event, The Future of Supply Chain & CIPS Strategic Positioning, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi’s Upper Hill district. The gathering will convene Chief Procurement Officers and industry leaders for in-depth discussions on transforming supply chains and advancing professional skills.
Farrell will also attend a specialised CPO Forum at the Glee Hotel, featuring roundtable talks and networking dinners, aimed at fostering deeper collaboration within the sector.
The visit will conclude with his keynote address at the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management annual conference at Sarova White Sands Hotel in Mombasa, expanding CIPS’ outreach to the coastal region.
“This ongoing visit represents a pivotal moment in CIPS’ East African strategy,” said Joshua Gitoho, President of CIPS Kenya. “The level of engagement across government, academia, and industry demonstrates the region’s growing importance in global supply chain networks.”
CIPS, the world’s largest procurement and supply professional body, has members in more than 150 countries, working to raise global procurement standards and promote excellence in supply chain management.
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