In a global economy increasingly defined by supply chains, leadership in this field demands not only technical expertise but also integrity, humility, and vision. Kenneth Matiba, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), exemplifies this rare combination. In just over a year at the helm, Matiba has begun shaping KISM into a force of accountability, professionalism, and service excellence across Africa.
Raised in a Christian family with a father who is a Lutheran Evangelist, Matiba’s upbringing instilled in him deep values of generosity, fairness, and service. These principles now form the cornerstone of his leadership style. Widely admired for his good-hearted nature and selfless approach—almost martyr-like in his willingness to give—Matiba leads with an open hand and a strong moral compass.
KISM, representing over 28,000 members, stands as the statutory body regulating supply chain management in Kenya. It plays a critical role in shaping how resources are procured, distributed, and managed in both the public and private sectors. Matiba leads not only this vast membership but also a robust inner team that coordinates closely with government agencies and international partners, including the United Nations.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in humility. He believes he is no different from the professionals he serves, insisting that respect, fairness, and accountability remain non-negotiable principles in his work. This ethos makes him approachable while inspiring professionals across the industry to embrace higher standards.
One of the greatest challenges facing the supply chain profession in Africa has been negative stereotyping—often misunderstood as transactional rather than strategic. Matiba is determined to change that narrative. By championing accountability, transparency, and professional pride, he is elevating supply chain management as a discipline central to national development, economic growth, and service delivery.
For Kenneth Matiba, success is not measured by personal accolades but by the lives and institutions transformed along the way. His vision is to leave KISM stronger than he found it, to uplift professionals across the continent, and to improve the pulse of service delivery in Kenya and beyond.
His leadership reflects a larger truth—that Africa’s future depends not only on visionary politicians or business moguls, but also on the often-unseen professionals who ensure that goods, resources, and services reach the people who need them most. In this space, Kenneth Matiba is not just managing an institution—he is building a legacy of accountability, humility, and progress.
As Africa continues to position itself in the global economy, voices like Matiba’s remind the world that true leadership is not about self-promotion but about service—about empowering people, strengthening systems, and leaving behind institutions that outlast the individual.
