Dr. Martin Kang'ethe Gachukia

PhD

Procurement and Logistics expert

Distinguished Academic & Administrator

Dr. Martin Kang'ethe Gachukia

info@martingachukia.com
support@martingachukia.com
Kenya: +254 723 953 487
Rwanda: +250 795 301 078
P.O. Box 21489-00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Gachukia is a highly accomplished academic and administrator with over 14 years of experience in university leadership, specializing in procurement and logistics. As a university registrar and senior lecturer, he combines strategic academic administration with cutting-edge supply chain expertise.

His career spans significant achievements in higher education management, professional training, and research in supply chain dynamics, with particular focus on value chain governance and traceability systems in developing economies.

Core Professional Expertise

Areas of specialized knowledge and leadership

Academic Administration

Strategic leadership in university operations, academic record management, and regulatory compliance with CUE, HEC, and KNQA standards.

Supply Chain Management

Specialized knowledge in global value chains, procurement frameworks, and logistics strategies for both public and private sectors.

Professional Training

Lead trainer for procurement and logistics professionals with extensive curriculum development experience at university and professional levels.

Research & Publications

Published scholar focusing on value chain governance, traceability systems, and innovation in supply chains within developing economies.

Professional Leadership

Key executive positions and institutional achievements

Oct 2024 - Present Kigali, Rwanda

University Registrar & Procurement Specialist

University of Kigali

Reports to: Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Team: 4 Managers | 40 Staff
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide executive leadership for all Registrar's Office operations including academic records, curriculum management, and regulatory compliance with HEC standards
  • Serve as senior lecturer for Graduate School of Logistics and Procurement programs, including curriculum development and research supervision
  • Oversee student registration processes, degree evaluations, and graduation certification for 4,000+ students
  • Develop and implement academic policies, examination schedules, and classroom utilization strategies
  • Serve as institutional Data Protection Officer and primary liaison with higher education regulatory bodies
Notable Achievements:
  • Implemented digital student management system integrating admissions, finance, and academic records
  • Developed new procurement and logistics curriculum for graduate programs
  • Established data governance framework for academic records management
2021 - Oct 2024 Nairobi, Kenya

Registrar & Acting CEO

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management

Reports to: CEO & Registration Committee Team: 6 Managers | 40 Consultants
Key Responsibilities:
  • Directed registration and licensing for 10,000+ procurement professionals under SPMA 2007
  • Served as Acting CEO (2021-2022) with full P&L responsibility for the Institute
  • Implemented e-member portal for applications, renewals, and profile management
  • Developed quality assurance programs and compliance monitoring systems
  • Served as official custodian of member records and data privacy officer
Notable Achievements:
  • Published inaugural Kenyan Gazette register (first in 15 years)
  • Created digital election register for 6,325 voting members
  • Developed Registration and Licensing Policy framework
  • Launched member service clinics and training seminars
2013 - 2021 Nairobi, Kenya

Founding Registrar

Riara University

Reports to: Deputy VC Academic Affairs Team: 6 Staff | 6 Schools
Key Responsibilities:
  • Established Registrar's office from inception after CUE accreditation
  • Developed academic policies, curriculum management systems, and student records processes
  • Oversaw 5 successful graduation ceremonies (2017-2021)
  • Served as institutional liaison with CUE, KNQA, and data protection authorities
  • Managed annual budget and resource allocation for registry operations
Notable Achievements:
  • Grew student population from 1 to 4,000+ students
  • Implemented integrated Student Management System
  • Developed academic handbook and course catalog
  • Established staff exchange and student mobility policies
2010 - 2013 Nairobi, Kenya

Procurement Manager

Riara Group of Schools

Reports to: Managing Director
Key Responsibilities:
  • Implemented SAP B1 ERP system for materials management
  • Managed procurement processes and supplier relationships
  • Oversaw fleet management for 45+ school vehicles
  • Developed procurement policies and budget planning processes
Notable Achievements:
  • Spearheaded procurement for Riara University construction project
  • Created fuel mileage reporting system saving 15% on fleet costs
  • Established competitive bidding processes reducing procurement costs by 20%

Academic Credentials

Formal education and professional qualifications

PhD in Supply Chain Management

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

2012 - 2018

Master of Science (Procurement & Logistics)

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

2008 - 2010

Bachelor of Sacred Theology (First Class Honors)

Catholic University of Eastern Africa

2004 - 2007

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Second Class Upper)

Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome

2004 - 2007

Senior Management Course (Credit)

Kenya School of Government

August - September 2022

Practitioner's License (2023)

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management

Member #K2337/2021

Full Member in Good Standing

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management

Member #67776

World Bank Procurement Framework

The World Bank Group / KISM

Training of Trainers (Multiple)

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management

Training of Trainers

International Trade Center (ITC)

Training of Trainers

Management Decision Information

Team Management

Kenya Institute of Management

DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Rhine-Waal University, Germany

September 2018 - February 2019

AfricaLics PhD Fellowship

Aalborg University, Denmark

February - June 2016

Global School in Empirical Research Methods

University of St. Gallen, Switzerland

June 2015 (3 weeks)

Research & Publications

Academic contributions and scholarly work

Impact of Mobile Payments Applications and Transfers in Business

2020

Gachukia M.K., Zephania T.O

IGI Publishers DOI: 10.4018/978-1-79983298

View Abstract

Role of Local Innovation System for Inclusive Upgrading in GVC

2020

Park, E., & Gachukia, M. K.

European Journal of Development Research

View Abstract

Identifying GVC Governance Determinants in Kenya's Horticulture

2017

Gachukia, M. K. W. and Muturi, W. M.

International Journal on Food System Dynamics

View Abstract

Value Chain Governance and Governmentality of Horticultural Exporters

2016

Gachukia, M. K. W.

International Journal on Food System Dynamics

View Abstract

Professional Affiliations

Memberships and professional networks

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management

Practitioner's License (2023)

Member #K2337/2021
KISM Full Member

KISM Full Member

Full Member in Good Standing

Member #67776
AARUK

AARUK

Association of Academic Registrars

Active Member
DAAD

DAAD Fellowship

Post-Doctoral Research

2018-2019
AfricaLics

AfricaLics

PhD Fellowship Program

2016

Institutional Associations

Universities and organizations served

University of Kabarak
University of Kigali
Kenya Institute of Supplies Management
Riara University
JKUAT
CUEA
Pontifical Urbaniana University

Professional Competencies

Areas of strength and capability

Leadership & Strategy

  • Strategic planning and implementation
  • Organizational development
  • Policy formulation and review
  • Team leadership and mentorship

Academic Administration

  • University governance
  • Curriculum development
  • Academic quality assurance
  • Regulatory compliance

Supply Chain Expertise

  • Procurement frameworks
  • Logistics strategies
  • Value chain analysis
  • Supplier relationship management

Professional Skills

  • Research and data analysis
  • Training and capacity building
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Report writing and presentation

Technical Proficiency

  • SAP Business One (Navision/BC)
  • Student Information Systems
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Data management systems

International Experience

  • Cross-cultural collaboration
  • International research
  • Global academic networks
  • Multilingual communication

Professional Consultation Services

Dr. Gachukia is available for consulting engagements, speaking invitations, and professional training programs in his areas of expertise.

Academic Administration
Procurement Training
Curriculum Development
Research Collaboration
Professional Certification
Strategic Planning