Business

Master of Purchasing and Logistics Management

The Master of Purchasing and Logistics Management is a postgraduate programme that trains professionals to become specialists in procurement, supply chain management, and logistics. The programme prepares graduates to manage purchasing operations, optimise logistics systems, and lead supply chain functions in Kenya and beyond.

Core areas of study include procurement management, supply chain strategy, logistics and transport management, inventory management, contract management, supplier relationship management, supply chain analytics, international trade, project management, and research methods. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications in purchasing and logistics settings.

The programme is offered by Moi University, Chuka University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, with Kisii University as a college. Moi University offers MSc in Logistics and Supplies Management with specialisations in Logistics Management and Purchasing and Supplies Management. The programme is designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in procurement and logistics.

Students develop competencies in procurement strategy, supply chain optimisation, logistics management, contract negotiation, supplier management, inventory control, supply chain analytics, international trade management, and purchasing research. The programme includes coursework, case studies, practical projects, examinations, and a research thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes at most institutions. Moi University offers the programme at its main campus and Nairobi campus. The programme is designed for procurement and logistics professionals, managers, and graduates seeking to advance their knowledge and careers.

Graduates pursue careers as procurement managers, logistics managers, supply chain consultants, purchasing directors, contract managers, and supply chain analysts in corporations, government, NGOs, and consulting firms.

Skills Required

Procurement Strategy and Management
Supply Chain Optimisation
Logistics and Transport Management
Contract Management and Negotiation
Supplier Relationship Management
Inventory Management and Control
Supply Chain Analytics and Data-Driven Decision Making
International Trade and Customs Management
Project Management in Supply Chain
Purchasing and Logistics Research

Key Subjects

Procurement Management
Supply Chain Strategy
Logistics and Transport Management
Inventory Management
Contract Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Supply Chain Analytics
International Trade and Customs
Project Management
Research Methods in Purchasing and Logistics

Certifications

KISM Certified Procurement Professional (CPP)
CIPS Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Specializations

Procurement and Purchasing Management

Focuses on procurement strategy, managing purchasing operations, tendering processes, contract management, and optimising procurement performance in organisations.

Logistics and Transport Management

Examines logistics management, transport operations, warehousing, distribution management, freight forwarding, and optimising logistics networks.

Supply Chain Strategy

Covers supply chain strategy, aligning supply chain with business strategy, supply chain design, managing supply chain risks, and building competitive supply chains.

International Trade and Customs

Focuses on international trade, customs management, import/export operations, trade compliance, and managing cross-border supply chains.

Inventory and Warehouse Management

Examines inventory management, warehouse operations, stock control systems, distribution centre management, and optimising inventory and storage operations.

Supply Chain Analytics

Covers supply chain analytics, using data to optimise supply chain performance, demand forecasting, supply chain modelling, and data-driven decision making.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 183,600
Private, up to: Ksh 700,000
Job market: Very high

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Procurement Management
Supply Chain Strategy
Logistics and Transport Management
Inventory Management
Contract Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Supply Chain Analytics
International Trade and Customs
Project Management
Research Methods in Purchasing and Logistics

Modules

10 in the programme

Procurement Management and Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines procurement management, procurement strategy, tendering processes, public procurement, managing purchasing operations, and optimising procurement performance in organisations.
Supply Chain Strategy and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers supply chain strategy, aligning supply chain with business strategy, supply chain design, managing supply chain risks, and building competitive supply chains.
Logistics and Transport Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines logistics management, transport operations, fleet management, distribution management, freight forwarding, and optimising logistics networks and transport systems.
Contract Management and Negotiation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers contract management, drafting and reviewing contracts, negotiation techniques, managing contract performance, dispute resolution, and legal aspects of procurement contracts.
Inventory and Warehouse Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines inventory management, stock control systems, warehouse operations, distribution centre management, and optimising inventory levels and storage operations.
Supplier Relationship Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers supplier relationship management, supplier evaluation and selection, managing supplier performance, developing supplier partnerships, and building effective supplier relationships.
Research Methods in Purchasing and Logistics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines qualitative and quantitative research methods, survey design, data analysis, supply chain modelling, and conducting purchasing and logistics research.
International Trade and Customs Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines international trade, customs procedures, import/export management, trade compliance, Incoterms, and managing cross-border supply chains.
Supply Chain Analytics and Technology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers supply chain analytics, demand forecasting, using data to optimise supply chain performance, supply chain technology, and data-driven decision making.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a purchasing and logistics management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and subject knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Procurement and Purchasing Management
Focuses on procurement strategy, managing purchasing operations, tendering processes, contract management, and optimising procurement performance in organisations.
Logistics and Transport Management
Examines logistics management, transport operations, warehousing, distribution management, freight forwarding, and optimising logistics networks.
Supply Chain Strategy
Covers supply chain strategy, aligning supply chain with business strategy, supply chain design, managing supply chain risks, and building competitive supply chains.
International Trade and Customs
Focuses on international trade, customs management, import/export operations, trade compliance, and managing cross-border supply chains.
Inventory and Warehouse Management
Examines inventory management, warehouse operations, stock control systems, distribution centre management, and optimising inventory and storage operations.
Supply Chain Analytics
Covers supply chain analytics, using data to optimise supply chain performance, demand forecasting, supply chain modelling, and data-driven decision making.

A day as a student

A typical day during the Master of Purchasing and Logistics Management programme begins with morning lectures on procurement management, supply chain strategy, or logistics management. Students engage in case study discussions analysing real supply chain challenges, designing procurement strategies, and optimising logistics operations. Group work involves conducting supply chain assessments, evaluating supplier performance, and developing procurement plans. Afternoon sessions may include practical projects where students work with actual organisations to assess supply chain operations and propose improvements. Seminars feature guest speakers from industry sharing procurement and logistics experiences. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering qualitative and quantitative research methods, supply chain analytics, and data analysis. Contract management sessions involve analysing tender documents, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. Supply chain analytics sessions use software tools for demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, and supply chain modelling. Networking opportunities connect students with procurement professionals through KISM events. The programme at Moi University is offered at the main campus and Nairobi campus with flexible scheduling for working professionals. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis defence.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's position as a regional logistics hub and growing trade create very high demand for procurement and logistics professionals.
Devolution has created procurement needs at county level, expanding career opportunities across all 47 counties.
Programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills directly applicable in workplace settings, providing immediate professional value.
Procurement and logistics skills are transferable across all sectors including corporate, government, NGO, manufacturing, and consulting.

Against it

Specific fee structures for the listed institutions could not be independently verified from text sources, making cost comparison difficult.
Programme may be confused with general MBA or business management programmes, potentially limiting its distinct professional recognition.
Procurement roles in government are subject to political influence and regulatory changes, creating some career uncertainty.
Only three universities offer this specific programme, limiting geographic access compared to more common business programmes.

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

Public184k to 184k

184k at Moi University184k at Moi University

Private119k to 700k

119k at Mount Kenya University700k at Strathmore 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

Moi ~183,600/yr (unverified specific, general PG ~187,200). MKU 119,100/yr. Strathmore unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Many employers sponsor employees pursuing procurement and logistics qualifications. CIPS offers professional development grants. The programme's professional focus attracts corporate and NGO funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
Employer Sponsorship
CIPS Professional Development Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Employer Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 400,000Kenyan
Many employers sponsor employees pursuing procurement and logistics qualifications to build internal supply chain capability.
CIPS Professional Development Grants
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
CIPS offers professional development grants for procurement professionals pursuing postgraduate qualifications in procurement and supply management.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for procurement and logistics professionals, managers, and graduates seeking to advance their expertise. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study options. Moi University offers specialisations in Logistics Management and Purchasing and Supplies Management.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case study analysis, supply chain project design, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering procurement management, logistics, contract management, supply chain strategy, and related topics, conducted at end of each semester.
Practical Supply Chain Project
Practical40% of the mark
Practical project involving assessment of a real organisation's procurement and logistics operations, designing improvements, and presenting recommendations.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a purchasing and logistics management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and subject knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Moi University's MSc in Logistics and Supplies Management is offered through its School of Business and Economics. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate business and management training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University's MSc in Logistics and Supplies Management is offered through its School of Business and Economics.
Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM)
Professional accreditation
KISM sets professional standards for procurement and supply management in Kenya. Graduates may pursue KISM's Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Procurement Manager
Very high demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages procurement operations in organisations, overseeing purchasing, tendering, contract management, supplier management, and ensuring cost-effective and compliant procurement.
Logistics Manager
Very high demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages logistics operations, overseeing transport, warehousing, distribution, and ensuring efficient and cost-effective movement of goods through the supply chain.
Supply Chain Consultant
High demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 650,000
Consults with organisations on supply chain management, advising on supply chain strategy, process improvement, cost reduction, and supply chain optimisation.
Contract Manager
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages contracts throughout their lifecycle, overseeing contract drafting, negotiation, performance monitoring, compliance, and dispute resolution.
Purchasing Director
Moderate demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 800,000
Directs purchasing and procurement functions at senior level, setting procurement strategy, managing procurement teams, and overseeing organisational spending.
Supply Chain Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Analyses supply chain data, forecasting demand, optimising inventory, identifying inefficiencies, and using data analytics to improve supply chain performance.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as procurement managers, logistics managers, supply chain consultants, and contract managers in corporations, government, and NGOs.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SAP Supply Chain Management
SoftwarePrimary
Enterprise supply chain management software for managing procurement, inventory, logistics, and supply chain operations in large organisations.
Oracle Procurement Cloud
SoftwarePrimary
Cloud-based procurement management software for managing purchasing, supplier management, contract management, and procurement analytics.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software widely used for supply chain analysis, inventory management, demand forecasting, and procurement data analysis.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for purchasing and logistics research, analysing survey data, and conducting quantitative supply chain research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Purchasing and logistics is just about buying goods and moving them.
Modern purchasing and logistics involves strategic supply chain management, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, supply chain analytics, and optimising complex global supply networks.
A bachelor's degree in procurement is sufficient for senior roles.
Senior procurement and logistics roles increasingly require postgraduate qualifications, with master's providing advanced knowledge in strategy, analytics, and research-based practice.
This programme has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's position as a regional logistics hub, growing trade, and devolution creating county procurement needs have generated very high demand for procurement and logistics professionals.
Procurement and logistics is becoming automated, reducing the need for professionals.
Automation handles routine tasks but increases demand for strategic professionals who can manage complex supply chains, negotiate contracts, and make data-driven decisions.
This programme is only for those already working in procurement.
While many students are procurement professionals, the programme is valuable for managers, entrepreneurs, and graduates from business, economics, or engineering fields seeking to specialise in supply chain.
Logistics management is the same as transport management.
Logistics encompasses transport, warehousing, inventory management, distribution, and supply chain coordination, while transport management is just one component of logistics.