The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) has announced a raft of disciplinary measures to be introduced in a bid to stem flawed procurement processes at the heart of corruption scandals such as the Sh9 Billion National Youth Service (NYS) case.
The association disclosed that it would change its laws to deter its members, many of whom work in procurement, from engaging in all forms of graft.
Any procurement officers found culpable, under the new law, will be de-registered and blacklisted.
“KISM will take stern action, including de-registration and blacklisting of any of its members found culpable.
"We will pursue this objective for purposes of strengthening the profession and supporting initiatives for establishment of functional, efficient and effective procurement systems within the public sector,” a statement released by the association read in part.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta with NYS recruits"]
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KISM explained that the law that established the body provides for disciplinary mechanisms through which the professional standing of a member of the institute can be evaluated for purposes of commendation, sanction or exoneration.
Many procurement officers are used by more powerful individuals to greenlight flawed tenders which have been responsible for most of the rampant corruption in public office.
The association's Chairperson Chris Oanda asked the officers to resist intimidation or coercion and instead blow the whistle through the relevant institutions and agencies.
“We affirm that KISM stands for procurement professionalism and is keen to establish after ongoing investigations are complete, if any of its members played any role in the NYS malpractices,” Oanda added.
On the other hand, nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura tabled a motion seeking to establish public execution as the penalty for grand corruption.
[caption caption="Chris Oanda"]
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