Kenya Institute of Supplies Management conducting audit to weed out unregistered practitioners

Introduction

The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) has launched a comprehensive nationwide initiative aimed at verifying membership data to audit and remove unlicensed personnel operating within the supply chain sector. CEO Kenneth Matiba announced that the initiative has already uncovered 17 unlicensed operators over the past two weeks. These individuals were found in key public offices, including the Technical University of Kenya, the Pyrum Processing Company, and the Kenya National Examination Council.

According to reports, KISM’s checks have targeted five public institutions, revealing startling statistics regarding unlicensed practitioners. The Technical University of Kenya had 12 officers who were practicing without the proper licenses. The Pyrum Processing Company had four such officers, while the Kenya National Examination Council reported one unlicensed officer. Public institutions are now being officially notified for allowing their staff to operate without the necessary credentials.

Any employer found hiring unregistered individuals as supply chain management practitioners faces serious legal consequences. Offenders could be fined up to 500,000 Kenyan Shillings. Furthermore, if the employer is a corporation, the Chief Executive Officer may also face charges under the same provisions.

The campaign has also turned its focus onto county governments, with the supply chain management practitioners in Homa Bay county under scrutiny. A total of 44 individuals have operated between January 2023 and December 2023 without the required licenses. This initiative follows complaints lodged in June 2022 about unregistered practitioners in the county. Of the 44 cases examined, two practitioners were fined, while 32 received severe reprimands; the judgments for 11 cases are scheduled to be delivered on September 27, 2024.

KISM is urging the public to come forward with complaints about any supply chain practitioners who are working without the appropriate licenses and is also reminding its members to renew their licenses promptly to avoid penalties, including the possibility of prison time.

Keywords

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM)
nationwide initiative
unlicensed operators
Technical University of Kenya
Pyrum Processing Company
Kenya National Examination Council
public institutions
Chief Executive Officer
county governments
Homa Bay
penalties
license renewal

FAQ

What is the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management?
The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) is a professional body that oversees the supply chain management sector in Kenya.

What is the purpose of the current audit initiative?
The initiative aims to verify membership data and remove unlicensed personnel from the supply chain sector.

How many unlicensed practitioners have been uncovered so far?
The initiative has found 17 unlicensed operators within the past two weeks.

Which institutions were flagged for non-compliance?
The Technical University of Kenya, Pyrum Processing Company, and Kenya National Examination Council were among those flagged for having unlicensed officers.

What penalties do employers face for hiring unlicensed supply chain practitioners?
Employers could face fines of up to 500,000 Kenyan Shillings, and corporate leaders such as CEOs may also face legal consequences.

How can the public report unlicensed practitioners?
KISM is encouraging the public to file complaints about any practitioners operating without valid licenses.