Business

Diploma in Procurement and Supplies Management

The Diploma in Procurement and Supplies Management is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in procurement, purchasing, inventory management, supplies management and contract administration. Offered at Garissa University, Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology and The East African University, the programme prepares students for careers in procurement and supply chain management across public and private sector organisations.

The curriculum covers principles of procurement, purchasing management, inventory control, stores management, supply chain management, contract law, public procurement, supplier management, logistics, project management, negotiation skills, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical procurement skills.

Kenya's public procurement sector is regulated by the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, creating demand for trained procurement professionals. The programme responds to the need for qualified personnel who can manage procurement processes, oversee supplies and ensure compliance with procurement regulations in government, NGOs and private companies.

The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, procurement simulation exercises, field visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in procurement and supplies management through supervised attachment in procurement departments, supply chain companies or government agencies.

Graduates pursue careers as procurement officers, supplies officers, purchasing assistants, inventory controllers and stores managers in government agencies, NGOs, private companies and manufacturing firms. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Commerce in Procurement or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in business, commerce and supply chain operations. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in procurement, purchasing and supplies management.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 61,300
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Principles of Procurement and Purchasing Management
Inventory Control and Stores Management
Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Contract Law and Public Procurement
Supplier Management and Negotiation Skills
Project Management and Quality Assurance
Research Methods and Procurement Project
Industrial Attachment and Procurement Practice

Modules

8 in the programme

Principles of Procurement and Purchasing Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers principles of procurement, purchasing management, procurement cycle, sourcing strategies, supplier evaluation, purchase requisitions and procurement ethics.
Inventory Control and Stores Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers inventory control, stock valuation, EOQ, ABC analysis, stores management, warehouse operations, stock taking and inventory management systems.
Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers supply chain management, logistics, transportation, distribution management, supply chain integration and supply chain performance measurement.
Contract Law and Public Procurement
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers contract law, contract formation, contract administration, public procurement regulations, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, tendering processes and procurement compliance.
Supplier Management and Negotiation Skills
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers supplier relationship management, supplier evaluation, vendor rating, negotiation techniques, contract negotiation, conflict resolution and communication skills.
Project Management and Quality Assurance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers project management, project planning, project monitoring, quality assurance in procurement, ISO standards and procurement performance measurement.
Research Methods and Procurement Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, data analysis and a procurement project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and Procurement Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment in a procurement department, supply chain company or government agency, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Public Procurement
Focuses on government procurement regulations and compliance for careers in public sector procurement.
Inventory and Stores Management
Specialises in inventory control and warehouse operations for careers as inventory controllers.
Contract Management
Focuses on contract administration and tendering for careers in contract management.
Supplier Relationship Management
Specialises in supplier evaluation and management for careers in supplier management.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on procurement principles or contract law, followed by a case study on public procurement or supplier management. Afternoon sessions may include a negotiation skills workshop, an inventory management simulation, or preparation for industrial attachment. Students also work on procurement projects and research assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Procurement is a high-demand profession with opportunities across all sectors.
Graduates are eligible for KISM membership and can pursue professional certifications.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Commerce in Procurement or related degrees.

Against it

The field requires attention to detail and strong ethical standards due to regulatory oversight.
Entry-level positions may involve routine administrative work before advancement.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public67k to 67k

67k at Public TVET colleges (standardized rate)67k at Public TVET colleges (standardized rate)

Private61k to 61k

61k at Zetech University61k at Zetech University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

TVET 67K/yr. Zetech 61K/yr (tuko.co.ke). Garissa Univ fee not public.

Students can access HELB loans. The government may offer sponsorships through KUCCPS for public university diploma programmes.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in procurement, business management or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

Mathematics
C-
English
C-

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering procurement principles, inventory control, supply chain management and contract law.
Coursework Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of case studies, procurement analysis papers, negotiation exercises and group presentations.
Procurement Project
Project40% of the mark
A procurement project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment in a procurement department or supply chain company.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates are eligible for membership with the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates are eligible for membership with the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM).
Kenya Institute of Supplies Management
Professional
Graduates are eligible for membership with the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), the professional body for procurement and supplies professionals in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Procurement Officer
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages procurement processes, evaluates suppliers, processes purchase orders and ensures compliance with procurement regulations in government and private organisations.
Supplies Officer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages supplies and inventory, oversees stores operations, conducts stock assessments and supports supply chain operations in organisations.
Purchasing Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 160,000
Supports purchasing operations, processes requisitions, maintains supplier records and assists with procurement documentation in companies and institutions.
Inventory Controller
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages inventory levels, conducts stock counts, maintains inventory records and supports stock optimisation in warehouses and retail organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as procurement officers, supplies officers, purchasing assistants and inventory controllers in government agencies, NGOs and private companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Procurement is just about buying things.
Procurement encompasses strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier evaluation, compliance, risk management and value optimisation, far beyond simple purchasing.
Procurement jobs are only in government.
Procurement professionals are needed in NGOs, private companies, manufacturing firms, international organisations and consulting firms, not only in government.
Supplies management is the same as storekeeping.
Supplies management involves strategic inventory planning, supply chain optimisation, quality control and contract administration, beyond basic storekeeping.
A diploma in procurement has limited career growth.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Commerce in Procurement, pursue professional certifications like CIPS or KISM, and advance to senior procurement management roles.