1ST ANNUAL NATIONAL DIALOGUE AND SPURS AWARD ON PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAINS HOSTED BY KENYA INSTITUTE OF SUPPLIES MANAGEMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL TREASURY AND PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND REGULATORY AUTHORITY

‘POWERED BY XETOVA’ DATE: 29TH NOV - 3RD DEC, 2021 | VENUE: TO BE PROVIDED IN DUE COURSE

 

THEME:

“Transforming Supply Chain Management to Drive Economic Recovery and Social Impact”

Quote:

“Indeed, life is anchored on a conduit that links the point of source to the point of need. A useful conduit is an intact one. And so, in a nutshell, I think that the core business of the management of procurement and supplies; simply put, is to maintain the integrity of the conduit, so that the needs in society can be sustainably met by a source that can effectively fulfill the need.

Dr. Mwenda Mbaka

President – Team of Experts for the Operationalization of the African Union Association of African Veterinary Statutory Bodies; Former Chairman, Kenya Veterinary Board

The role of Sound Supply Chain Management [SCM] as a driver to National Economic Development cannot be over emphasized. Of importance to note is that a thin line exists between supply chain management, sustainable development for sustainable livelihoods, and a country’s public debt management; the more reason why there is need to integrate a well-thought strategy in SCM transformation in all economic sectors, from the county, national, and regional levels up to the global platforms. It has been reported that Africa, and more so Kenya, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was undergoing immense growth across various sectors, such as infrastructure, energy and agriculture. These massive changes and investments offer a perfect opportunity to entrench the place of sound supply chain management practices and consequently its importance in the growth of National GDP. There is need to fashion out how supply chain management relates to development, considering the implications it might have on the ecosystem of economic development.

It is against this backdrop that Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), backed by key stakeholders, initially engaged in establishing some viable platforms with an aim of pioneering a Transformation of Supply Chain Management in Kenya. Together with her partners, KISM organized an Annual Regional Conference in different parts of East Africa. The conference was aimed at creating a platform for Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) practitioners to discuss SCM issues in the region. This was undertaken in partnership with SCM professional bodies in the region viz; Institute of Procurement Professionals of Uganda (IPPU) -Uganda, Procurement and Supplies Professionals and Technicians Board (PSPTB)-Tanzania and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA)-Rwanda. Global players in PSCM such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) and Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), were also involved.

Progressing further from the recommendations of the conference, KISM intends to hold its first national dialogue and spurs award event on procurement and supply chain that aspires to address the direct and indirect role of supply chain management in contributing towards the aspirations of Africa Union Agenda 2063, Vision 2030, Big Four Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, with Kenya acting as the beacon of stakeholder connectivity. To lay and emphasize on the SDGs, this initiative aims to:

  • SDG 8.a. Increase Aid to support trade in developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for LDCs.
  • SDG 9.3. Increase the access to financial and affordable services for small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly developing countries for them to participate in value chains of commerce and markets.
  • SDG 9.5. In line with Vision 2030, enhancement of scientific research, upgrading of the technological capabilities of industrial sectors- particularly in developing countries, encouraging innovation, and to substantially increase the number of research and development workers per 1 million people, and public and private research and development spending.
  • SDG 9.b. Support domestic technology development, as well as research and innovation in developing countries, by ensuring a conducive policy environment for inter alia industrial diversification and value addition to commodities.
  • SDG 16.3. Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels, and ensure an equitable access to justice for all.
  • SDG 17.11. Significantly increase the exports of developing countries, in particular, with a view to doubling the LDC share of global exports by 2020.

The dialogue will provide a platform for participants across the country and beyond to underscore the role of procurement and supply chain practices from a strategic perspective, so as to influence transformational changes where they are deemed necessary. The national dialogue will pitch for excellence in Public and Private Procurement practices to improve service delivery. This is intended to result in a paradigm shift from the status quo, of “business as usual” to “Thinking National Interest”; an endeavor envisaged to be cascaded from the dialogue venues to the counties, sub counties, constituencies, all the way to grass root communities. 

The dialogue will therefore focus on the role of each stakeholder towards a transformative process in the entire supply chain management ecosystem and attainment of sustainable development, and the leverage that sound PSCM will offer as a factor in sustainable development. It is envisioned that from the discussion sessions, on the overall, will emanate, resolutions, declarations and tabled recommendations that will enhance socioeconomic development in Kenya, spreading out to international arenas. The discussions may also elicit the unused and perhaps unstated potential that can be harnessed from transformed supply chain management, to make the developed structures and systems a core element in the development agenda of the country.

The discussions will take cognizant of the laws that govern public procurement and supply chain in Kenya, and perhaps any gaps that may exist, for the system to be efficiently effected. An enabling legislative system is expected to incentivize greater interest in investment within a transformed supply chain sector.

This initiative is hoped to lay the foundation for routine national dialogues, to interrogate the performance of the procurement and supply chain in the country.

From 2010, KISM has organized the Annual Regional Conference in different parts of East Africa. This was done in partnership with SCM professional bodies in the region viz; IPPU -Uganda, PSPTB-Tanzania and PPRA-Rwanda. The annual regional conference is often graced by global players in PSCM such as the CIPS, IFPSM and IIMM. The regional conference is aimed at creating a platform for PSCM practitioners to discuss SCM issues in the region. In the past few years, the annual regional conference was enriched by research presentations from renowned scholars in the region.

Following devolution, the introduction of Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015 (PPADA 2015) & the regulations thereto, KISM council has considered introducing an annual National Dialogue and Supply Chain Excellence Award in its annual CPD calendar. The dialogue is envisaged to bring together PSCM players in Kenya to discuss PSCM issues in the country. The first such event dubbed the 1st National Dialogue on Procurement and Supply Chain Management is scheduled for November 29 -December 3, 2021. The event is themed, “Transforming Supply Chain Management to Drive Economic Recovery and Social Impact”

3.1       General objective:

To catalyze actions, conversations, stakeholder engagements and thought leadership towards the transformation of supply chain management for impact.

Overall Objective

3.1.1   To demonstrate the link between Sound Supply Chain Management and attainment of Sustainable Socio-Economic Development in Kenya.

3.1.2   To establish a focused and well-informed caucus of transformed supply chain practitioners and stakeholders who are cognizant of prevailing policies and legislations and any gaps thereof.

3.1.3   To assess the progress of PPAD Act 2015 on public procurement.

3.1.4   To develop benchmarks and resources for necessary advice and support for stakeholders in supply chain management across the country and beyond.

3.1.5    To illustrate progress towards mainstreaming transformed supply chain management practices in Kenya and its impact on national, regional and global trade interactions.

3.1.6    To enhance Gender Inclusivity across all nodes of supply chain countrywide.

3.1.7     To assess the extent of national preparedness in adapting to agile supply chains resulting from changing dynamics in biological, environmental and socio-cultural threats

3.1.8     To assess the extent of national preparedness to align it to the evolving regional, continental   and global dynamics in trade.

3.1.9    To assess the perception of the public about their role in the transformation of the procurement and supply chains.

3.2 Specific Objectives

3.2.1    To discuss and internalize the extent of attainment of Agenda 2063, UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2029; Vision 2030 and Kenya Constitution (2010) in relation to supply chain transformation agenda in Kenya.

3.2.2   To review socioeconomic impact of local content in Kenya.

3.2.3   To review the role of County Governments in enhancing sound PSCM under the devolved governance.

3.2.4   To create opportunities for stakeholder synergies in research and development of Supply Chain in Kenya.

3.2.5   To lobby and advocate for adoption of best practices in devolved procurement and supply chain.

3.2.6   To review impact of digital divide, technologies and innovations in PSCM.

3.2.7  To analyze diverse organizational knowledge for quality assurance in PSCM across the country.

3.2.8  To highlight the plight of women, youth and special groups in public procurement and supply chain in Kenya.

3.2.9  To share knowledge and experiences in PSCM practices in public, private and third sectors.

3.2.10 To review the SCM Curricula, Mentorship Programs and Rewarding Systems in Kenya and assess their applicability in PSCM practice.

3.2.11 To document lessons from notable and impactful Value Chains related to SMEs and Farmer-Led sustainable Supply Chain Models in the past 3 years in Kenya [Private Sector & NGO Case].

3.2.12 To review impact of COVID-19 on transformation of Supply Chain Management in Kenya.

3.2.13 To review the role of Funding agencies, Financial Institutions, Cooperatives and SACCOs in accelerating transformation of Supply Chain Management in Kenya.

3.2.14 To evaluate the established frameworks for procurement and supply in the regional, continental and global trade arena.

3.2.15 To evaluate the public perceptions about procurement and supply chains, and how they perceive themselves, as potential influencers in the envisaged transformation.

3.2.16 To assess contribution of roads, water, rail and air transport in accelerating supply chain transformation.

The dialogue will employ diverse approaches to achieve these objectives. These include:

4.1         Discussions focusing on the role of supply chains in the development of National economy with reference to international trade.

4.2         Dissemination of Information on current and recent developments in regional and global trade initiatives and their interaction with supply chain issues in Kenya. This will include discussions and case studies on creating transformative supply chain management systems and structures as a precursor to the health of Kenyan economy and community livelihoods.

4.3         Sharing of research findings, case studies and experiential session on impact of supply chain on academia, industry and county governments.

4.4         Panel sessions and plenary discussions to identify and develop interventions and resolutions on how to attain highest standards of a transformed supply chain management sector amidst global challenges such as COVID-19 and Border Insecurities among others.

The deliberations at the national dialogue will attempt to respond to the following broad questions among others:

  • To what extent does SDGs, AU Agenda, Big Four Agenda, UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2019, Vision 2030 and the Constitution of Kenya embrace Supply Chain Transformation this far and lessons therein?
  • To what extent are the small medium and micro enterprise communities involved in promoting sound supply chain management practices grass root level?
  • What is the current status of supply chain management road map to attaining a total transformation in Kenya and what more can be done to raise their participation in the larger wheel of transformation in Kenya and beyond? The dialogue will interrogate whether actions of SMEs and other entrepreneurs especially those at the Bottom of the Pyramid are having any tangible or visible impact in supply chain transformation and how this can be accelerated for a win win for all.
  • How can Kenya as a country tap into the international Resource Base arena for acceleration of its supply chain transformation.
  • How to effectively and efficiently integrate and support innovations that promote faster attainment of transformed supply chains in Kenya.
  • The role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable models for restoration of sound supply chain systems and structures at a national level to county level.

6.1       Enhanced interest by stakeholders and supply chain practitioners across the country demonstrated through involvement in the transformation agenda from government representatives, civil society and broad section of stakeholders across the national dialogue.

6.2       National Dialogue and SPURS Award Report, Dialogue Resolutions and Policy Brief that will inform and guide the country on a clear transformation agenda in the supply chain agenda and other development actors to consider supply chain transformation in their development strategy.

6.3       A position paper highlighting specific SDGs, UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2029, Vision 2030, Kenya Constitution (2010) and AU 2063 agenda and their relationships with different aspects of supply chain management models globally.

6.4       Listing of representation from a diverse of industrial/sectoral organizations and institutions from private and public sectors.

7.1         Enhanced interest in being part of a national transformational move of supply chain management across all economic sectors.

7.2         Increased sensitization on the contribution of sound supply chain management in attainment of SDGs, AU Agenda 2063, Vision 2030, Big Four Agenda and UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2029.

7.3         Enhanced interest and involvement by County Government leaders and political goodwill on the transformational agenda starting at grass root levels and cascading to national platforms across the country.

7.4         Involvement of such bodies and entities as the National Treasury, Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC), Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Office of Auditor General (OAG), Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Academia (Tertiary, Higher Institutions of Learning and Polytechnics), Council of Governors (CoG), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM),  in standard setting and influencing policies’ formulation and implementation of transformed supply chain management guides across all sectors at county and national levels.

Prior to the main dialogue and awards’ event, the steering committee have planned on organizing several pre-dialogue sessions that have a direct correlation with the dialogue agenda and will take place as follows:

8.1       Launch of Kenya Institute of Supplies Management Towers and Commissioning of our Strategic Plan 2021-2024 on the 29th September 2021.

8.2       Supply Chain Leadership Forum on the 18th, 19th and 20th of October 2021 targeting Heads of Procurement across the country.

8.3       National Dialogue Caravan led by The National Treasury that will run from 15-19 of November 2021 with an aim of creating regional dialogue momentum at the Coast Region, Western Region, Nyanza Region, Rift Valley Region, North Eastern Region and Central Region.

  1. SDGs, Social Development and Philosophy in Supply Chain Management
  2. Digital Divide, Technologies and Innovations in PSCM: Kenya Case
  3. Enhancing Inclusivity in Procurement & Supply Chain Management for Sustainable Livelihoods
  4. Empowering Women Owned Enterprises in the East African Region
  5. 21st Century Trends in Private Sector Procurement
  6. Socioeconomic impact of local content in Kenya: Buy Kenya Build Kenya Initiative
  7. Procurement Audit
  8. Pitfalls in Public Procurement-Case Studies
  9. Procurement Under Devolved Government Structures-The opportunities, challenges and remedies
  10. Ethics & Professionalism in PSCM: The Kenyan Case
  11. Diagnosis and Solutions to Challenges Facing PSCM in Kenya
  12. Global Trends in SCM [Presentation should also reflect 3.2.1 above].
  13. The Place of Academia, Research Institutions and TVETs in PSCM in Kenya [Presentation should also reflect 3.2.10 above among others].
  14. Impactful Resource Mobilization in PSCM [Presentation should also reflect 3.2.13 above among others].
  15. Successful Value Chains: Case Studies
  16. COVID 19 and Agile Supply Chains: which way to go?
  17. Farmer-Led Supply Chain Models as an accelerator to global trade
  18. Role of Roads, Rail, Water and Air Transportation in enhancing Supply Chain Transformation.

The dialogue targets to bring together 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, Scholars, Students, Farmers, Public and Private Sector Organizations, International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Universities, Procurement and Supply Chain Professional Bodies in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi, Nigeria, Gambia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. All procurement professionals in Kenya and the East African Region, East Africa Community (EAC) Secretariat, International Federation of Purchasing and Supplies Management (IFPSM), Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat, African Continental Free Trade Area [AfCFTA], NEPAD, UN-FAO, UNEP, CIPS (Kenya), Community members, interest Groups, among others.

The KISM SPURS SCM Excellence Awards Program is an initiative established to support the Institute’s strategic objective on Membership Welfare and Advocacy in addition to motivating practitioners to undertake highly impactful supply chain management practices across the country, regardless of the industry in mention.  The Program compliments the National Dialogue and is an annual event established to recognize, reward and promote high performance standards in supply chain practice. The event dubbed “KISM SPURS SCM Excellence Awards” was first held in December 2020.  The event attracted participation from various sectors and awarded organizations that demonstrated exemplary performance in their supply chain processes.

This year’s KISM SPURS SCM Excellence Awards will take place concurrently with the National Supply Chain Conference Dialogue.  In resonating with the conference’s theme – “Stakeholder Engagement in Accelerated Transformation of Supply Chain Management Ecosystems in Kenya,” the award categories will focus on recognizing practitioners and organizations that have adopted transformative supply chain practices aimed at addressing unprecedented supply chain disruptions - VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity), and achieving the Government’s National Agenda for Sustainable and Socioeconomic development.  The awards’ event takes cognizance of the critical role played by supply chain practitioners in designing and employing strategies that support acceleration of organizational and national development. 

The following are the award categories outlined for the event:

  1. Best Public Procurement Project of the Year Award - (The project should not have been completed earlier than January 2019)
  2. Best Private Best Private Sector Supply Chain Project of the Year Award. (The project should not have been completed earlier than January 2019)
  3. Best Supply Chain Innovation of the Year – The innovation should not have been commissioned earlier than January 2019.
  4. Best ICT Adoption in Supply Chain of the Year Award
  5. Team Excellence Award
  6. Best County Supply Chain Management function of the Year
  7. Supply Chain Rising Star Award
  8. Supply Chain Academic Excellence Award
  9. Best Supply Chain writer of the year award
  10. Best Supply Chain Research Paper of the year Award (Paper done in 2020/2021)
  11. Supply Chain Diversity and Inclusivity of the Year Award
  12. Experienced Supply Chain Professional of the year award (over 20 years’ experience)
  13. Best supply chain student of the year award
  14. Women in Supply Chain Award
  15. Humanitarian Supply Chain Award
  16. Special Needs and Persons Living with Disabilities in Supply Chain Award
  17.  

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Dialogue invites prospective participants to submit abstracts for paper presentations at the Dialogue on the chosen sub themes.