The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have launched a collaborative initiative titled “Enhancing Ethics in Public Procurement”. This framework aims to promote transparency, accountability, and professionalism in public procurement by incorporating media as a key stakeholder in the process.
Building Transparency and Public Awareness
The collaboration seeks to use media platforms to amplify public awareness about ethical procurement practices, fostering a culture of integrity in the supply chain. Speaking at a joint workshop, KISM CEO Kenneth Matiba emphasized the importance of ethical practices in advancing good governance and driving socio-economic development.
“Through targeted training, sensitization programs, and strategic communication, this initiative aims to curb corruption, enhance public trust, and strengthen accountability mechanisms crucial for the sustainable growth of the procurement sector,” Matiba stated.
Key Focus Areas
The workshop covered critical topics, including:
- Integrity in Anti-Corruption Efforts: Aligning procurement practices with ethical standards.
- Impact of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Exploring its implications on the public procurement process.
- Ethical Bidding and Evaluation: Promoting fairness in award activities.
- Leveraging Technology: Enhancing integrity through tech-driven solutions.
- Transparency in Records Management: Ensuring proper documentation and accountability in procurement.
Matiba noted that collaboration with investigative agencies is essential to dispel negative stereotypes about procurement professionals, while fostering a professional culture rooted in fairness, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
Role of Media in Ethical Procurement
Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omoyo highlighted the vital role of communication in reshaping public perceptions of procurement. He stressed that the lack of proactive disclosure and engagement with the media has led to negative stereotypes about procurement processes.
“Proactively sharing information and fostering open communication can transform how the sector is perceived and reported,” Omoyo said, adding that equipping procurement professionals with communication skills is key to demystifying the process and ensuring accurate reporting.
Anticipated Outcomes
The partnership between KISM, EACC, and the media aims to:
- Enhance ethical practices in procurement.
- Foster public trust through transparency.
- Empower procurement professionals to communicate openly and proactively.
- Promote accountability and good governance in public resource management.
By aligning efforts, the stakeholders hope to create a procurement environment that is not only ethical but also widely trusted and understood by the public.
This initiative marks a significant step toward embedding integrity and professionalism in public procurement, with the media playing a crucial role in driving the message of transparency and accountability.
