STUDENTS TO REAP BIG AS OUK AND KISM SIGN LANDMARK MOU ON SUPPLY CHAIN TRAINING
Nairobi, Kenya 29-05-2025 — Students pursuing careers in supply chain management have a major reason to celebrate after the Open University of Kenya (OUK) and the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at revolutionizing training, research and professional development in the field.
The MoU, signed at The KISM headquarters in Nairobi, establishes a forward-looking framework that places students at the center of a dynamic, skills-driven approach to supply chain education.
Empowering Students through Joint Learning Initiatives
Through this strategic partnership, OUK students will benefit from jointly developed and delivered training programmes and courses that reflect emerging trends and demands in the supply chain profession. The collaboration will see OUK and KISM co-create technology-enhanced learning modules and embed practical, industry-based knowledge into coursework—ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also industry-ready.
“These areas of collaboration will provide a platform to reach many people by virtue of the flexible and readily accessible online learning platform,” noted Prof. Carolyne Omulando, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), adding, “We will achieve our core mandate through this MoU—teaching, research and outreach.”
Access to Professional Certification and Industry Platforms
One of the most significant benefits for students is the seamless pathway to professional certification. KISM, being the official licensing body for supply chain practitioners in Kenya, will offer students access to recognized credentials aligned with university-level learning outcomes. This makes the transition from academic learning to professional practice much smoother.
In addition, OUK students will have opportunities to participate in KISM’s workshops, conferences, webinars and training seminars, both locally and internationally. This exposure will assist students build strong professional networks, gain insight into global industry trends and enhance their career prospects.
“Let’s consider a structured implementation matrix and timelines to guide this partnership,” said KISM CEO Kenneth Matiba. “We should prioritize immediate areas like the Learning Management System and ensure it works efficiently to deliver value to students from day one.”
Shared Resources and Infrastructure
The MoU enables mutual access to institutional facilities and digital resources. OUK students will be able to use KISM’s physical infrastructure—including modern training and conference facilities at KISM Towers in Nairobi—while also enjoying full access to OUK’s e-Library and digital learning platforms. This hybrid model promotes flexibility and accessibility, especially for students balancing work and study.
Research, Consultancy and Mentorship
The partnership also opens doors for students and staff to engage in joint research and consultancy projects tackling real-world challenges in procurement, logistics, risk management, and supply chain governance. This hands-on exposure will strengthen students’ research capacity and enhance their problem-solving skills.
Students will also benefit from mentorship by seasoned industry professionals, as the two institutions jointly implement capacity-building programs focusing on key areas of supply chain management.
“It is a journey which, when one looks back, fills one with pride,” said Prof. Raphael Nyonje, OUK Director of Quality Assurance. “We have come as equal partners, and I thank the OUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga and KISM CEO Kenneth Matiba, the brainchild behind this journey. Our collective strengths have been well captured in the various items of the MoU.”
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
To ensure that all programmes and courses are student-centered and meet the highest standards, OUK and KISM have committed to a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework. Through this process, all joint initiatives will be continuously reviewed for impact, relevance and quality improvement—ensuring lasting benefits for students.
A New Era for Future-Ready Graduates
Set to remain in force for three years, the MoU reflects a shared commitment to inclusive, affordable and market-responsive education and research. It also advances the goals of Kenya’s Vision 2030 by strengthening human capital in critical economic sectors.