Business

Master of Science in Logistics and Supplies Management

The Master of Science in Logistics and Supplies Management is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in logistics management, supply chain management, procurement, and supplies management. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in logistics, supply chain management, procurement management, and supplies operations.

Core areas include logistics management, supply chain management, procurement, inventory management, transportation, warehousing, distribution, supply chain analytics, international logistics, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical logistics and supply chain applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, with Moi University as a college. Moi University offers related Master of Business Management in Purchasing and Supplies Management at KES 50,000 per semester. JKUAT offers related MSc in Procurement and Logistics at KES 126,000 per year. Kirinyaga University offers postgraduate programmes through its School of Business and Economics.

Students develop competencies in logistics planning, supply chain design, procurement management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing, and research. The programme includes coursework, case studies, projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT related programme fees are KES 126,000 per year. Moi University related programme fees are KES 50,000 per semester. Kirinyaga University application fee is KES 1,500. Entry requires Bachelor's degree with Upper Second or Lower with 3 years experience.

Graduates pursue careers as logistics managers, supply chain managers, procurement managers, warehouse managers, and lecturers in manufacturing, retail, logistics companies, government, NGOs, and consulting firms.

Skills Required

Logistics Management and Transportation
Supply Chain Management and Optimisation
Procurement and Sourcing Management
Inventory Management and Control
Warehousing and Distribution Management
Supply Chain Analytics and Forecasting
International Logistics and Trade
Supplier Relationship Management
Supply Chain Risk Management
Logistics and Supply Chain Research Methods

Key Subjects

Logistics Management
Supply Chain Management
Procurement Management
Inventory Management
Transportation and Distribution
Warehousing Management
Supply Chain Analytics
International Logistics
Supplier Relationship Management
Logistics Research Methods

Certifications

CIPS Procurement Certification
CILT Logistics Certification

Specializations

Logistics Management

Focuses on logistics management, transportation, freight management, distribution, logistics operations, and managing and optimising logistics operations.

Supply Chain Management

Examines supply chain management, supply chain design, supply chain optimisation, supply chain strategy, and designing and managing supply chains.

Procurement Management

Covers procurement, sourcing, supplier management, contract management, procurement strategy, and managing and executing procurement in organisations.

Inventory and Warehouse Management

Focuses on inventory management, inventory control, warehousing, warehouse operations, stock management, and managing inventory and warehouses.

Supply Chain Analytics

Examines supply chain analytics, demand forecasting, supply chain modelling, data analysis, and applying analytics in supply chain management.

International Logistics

Covers international logistics, global supply chains, international trade, customs, freight forwarding, and managing international logistics operations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 126,000
Private, up to: Ksh 700,000
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: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Logistics Management
Supply Chain Management
Procurement Management
Inventory Management
Transportation and Distribution
Warehousing Management
Supply Chain Analytics
International Logistics
Supplier Relationship Management
Logistics Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Logistics Management and Transportation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines logistics principles, transportation, freight management, distribution, logistics operations, transport modes, and managing and optimising logistics operations.
Supply Chain Management and Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers supply chain design, supply chain strategy, supply chain integration, coordination, supply chain networks, and designing and managing supply chains.
Procurement and Sourcing Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines procurement principles, sourcing, supplier selection, contract management, procurement strategy, public procurement, and managing and executing procurement.
Inventory and Warehouse Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers inventory control, stock management, EOQ, safety stock, ABC analysis, warehouse operations, warehouse design, material handling, and managing inventory and warehouses.
Supply Chain Analytics and Forecasting
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines demand forecasting, supply chain modelling, data analysis, optimisation, simulation, and applying analytics in supply chain management.
International Logistics and Trade
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers global supply chains, international trade, customs, freight forwarding, Incoterms, port operations, and managing international logistics operations.
Supplier Relationship Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines supplier management, supplier evaluation, supplier development, SRM, supplier partnerships, and managing supplier relationships.
Supply Chain Risk and Resilience
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers supply chain risk, risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, supply chain resilience, disruption management, and managing supply chain risks.
Distribution and Channel Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines distribution channels, distribution networks, last-mile delivery, omnichannel distribution, and managing distribution and channels.
Logistics and Supply Chain Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for logistics and supply chain, quantitative methods, survey research, data analysis, and conducting logistics research, preparing students for their thesis.
E-Logistics and Digital Supply Chains
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines e-logistics, digital supply chains, blockchain, IoT in supply chain, AI in logistics, digital transformation, and applying digital technology in logistics.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a logistics and supplies management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and logistics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Logistics Management
Focuses on logistics management, transportation, freight management, distribution, logistics operations, and managing and optimising logistics operations.
Supply Chain Management
Examines supply chain management, supply chain design, supply chain optimisation, supply chain strategy, and designing and managing supply chains.
Procurement Management
Covers procurement, sourcing, supplier management, contract management, procurement strategy, and managing and executing procurement in organisations.
Inventory and Warehouse Management
Focuses on inventory management, inventory control, warehousing, warehouse operations, stock management, and managing inventory and warehouses.
Supply Chain Analytics
Examines supply chain analytics, demand forecasting, supply chain modelling, data analysis, and applying analytics in supply chain management.
International Logistics
Covers international logistics, global supply chains, international trade, customs, freight forwarding, and managing international logistics operations.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Logistics and Supplies Management programme begins with morning or evening lectures, as the programme accommodates working professionals. Students engage in theoretical discussions on logistics, supply chain, and procurement. Logistics management sessions cover logistics principles, transportation, freight management, distribution, logistics operations, and managing and optimising logistics. Supply chain management sessions examine supply chain design, supply chain strategy, supply chain integration, supply chain coordination, and designing and managing supply chains. Procurement sessions cover procurement principles, sourcing, supplier selection, contract management, procurement strategy, and managing and executing procurement. Inventory management sessions examine inventory control, stock management, EOQ, safety stock, ABC analysis, and managing inventory. Transportation sessions cover transportation modes, road transport, rail, air, sea, intermodal transport, and managing transportation. Warehousing sessions examine warehouse operations, warehouse design, material handling, storage, picking, and managing warehouses. Distribution sessions cover distribution channels, distribution networks, last-mile delivery, and managing distribution. Supply chain analytics sessions examine demand forecasting, supply chain modelling, data analysis, optimisation, and applying analytics in supply chain. International logistics sessions cover global supply chains, international trade, customs, freight forwarding, Incoterms, and managing international logistics. Supplier relationship sessions examine supplier management, supplier evaluation, supplier development, SRM, and managing supplier relationships. Case studies provide hands-on experience in analysing logistics operations, designing supply chains, and solving supply chain problems. Projects provide hands-on experience in logistics planning, supply chain design, and procurement management. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering logistics research methods, quantitative methods, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KISM professionals, PPRA officials, CILT fellows, CIPS experts, and industry practitioners provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's position as a logistics hub, growing e-commerce, manufacturing, retail expansion, and international trade create high demand for qualified logistics and supply chain professionals.
Programme combines logistics, supply chain, procurement, and analytics, providing versatile skills for diverse supply chain career paths.
Career opportunities with manufacturing, retail, logistics companies, shipping lines, airlines, government, NGOs, KISM, PPRA, and consulting firms.
Programme is available with full-time and part-time modes, accommodating working professionals.

Against it

Only one primary university (Kirinyaga) offers this specific programme, limiting choice for prospective students.
Programme requires business, commerce, procurement, logistics, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Specific fee structure for Kirinyaga University could not be independently verified from the official website.
Logistics and supply chain is a competitive field, with many professionals holding certifications rather than master's degrees.

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

Public100k to 126k

100k at Moi University126k at Kirinyaga 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 & Kirinyaga unverified. MKU 119.1K/yr (eafinder). Strathmore unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KISM supports supplies management professional development. CILT supports logistics and transport professional development. CIPS supports procurement professional development. The programme's logistics and supply chain focus attracts professional body and industry funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KISM Professional Development Funding
CILT Professional Development Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate logistics and supplies management studies at recognised universities.
KISM Professional Development Funding
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
KISM supports supplies management professional development, providing funding for training and certification in Kenya.
CILT Professional Development Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
CILT supports logistics and transport professional development, providing funding for training and certification globally.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from business, commerce, procurement, logistics, economics, management, engineering, and related fields. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes. JKUAT related programme requires Upper Second or Lower with 3 years experience. Kirinyaga University application fee KES 1,500. JKUAT related fees KES 126,000/year. Moi University related fees KES 50,000/semester.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case studies, logistics analysis projects, supply chain designs, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering logistics, supply chain, procurement, and inventory management, conducted at end of each semester.
Projects and Presentations
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of projects, logistics plans, supply chain designs, procurement strategies, and project presentations.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a logistics and supplies management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and logistics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kirinyaga University offers MSc in Logistics and Supplies Management through its School of Business and Economics. Moi University offers related Master of Business Management in Purchasing and Supplies. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate logistics and supplies management training. KISM regulates supplies professionals and PPRA regulates public procurement in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kirinyaga University offers MSc in Logistics and Supplies Management through its School of Business and Economics. Moi University offers related Master of Business Management in Purchasing and Supplies. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate logistics and supplies management training.
Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM)
Professional accreditation
KISM regulates supplies management professionals in Kenya. Graduates may benefit from KISM professional certification for career advancement in procurement and supplies.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Logistics Manager
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages logistics operations, overseeing transportation, distribution, freight, and ensuring efficient logistics operations in organisations.
Supply Chain Manager
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages supply chains, overseeing supply chain design, coordination, integration, and ensuring efficient and effective supply chain operations.
Procurement Manager
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages procurement, overseeing sourcing, supplier management, contracts, and ensuring effective procurement in organisations.
Warehouse Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages warehouse operations, overseeing storage, inventory, material handling, and ensuring efficient warehouse operations.
Distribution Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages distribution operations, overseeing distribution networks, delivery, channels, and ensuring efficient distribution.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches logistics and supply chain management in universities, conducting research and training future logistics professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as logistics managers, supply chain managers, and procurement managers in manufacturing, retail, logistics companies, and government.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SAP Supply Chain Management
SoftwarePrimary
Enterprise supply chain management software for logistics, procurement, inventory, warehousing, and managing end-to-end supply chain operations.
Oracle Supply Chain Management
SoftwarePrimary
Enterprise supply chain management software for logistics, procurement, inventory management, and managing supply chain operations.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for logistics data analysis, inventory management, supply chain modelling, and logistics planning.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for logistics and supply chain research data analysis, forecasting, and statistical modelling in supply chain research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Logistics and supplies management is just about moving goods.
The programme involves logistics, supply chain design, procurement, analytics, international trade, warehousing, and research, covering comprehensive logistics and supply chain management.
This programme is only for business graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from business, commerce, procurement, logistics, engineering, and related fields with relevant qualifications.
There is limited demand for logistics professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's position as a logistics hub, growing e-commerce, manufacturing, retail expansion, and international trade create high demand for qualified logistics and supply chain professionals.
Logistics and supplies management is the same as procurement.
While related, logistics focuses on transportation, warehousing, and distribution, while procurement focuses on sourcing and purchasing. This programme covers both comprehensively.
A master's in logistics is redundant after a bachelor's in procurement.
The master's provides advanced logistics and supply chain skills, research capability, and career progression to senior logistics and supply chain management positions.
Supply chain management is only relevant for large companies.
Supply chain management is relevant for organisations of all sizes, including SMEs, NGOs, government, and startups, as all organisations manage supplies and logistics.