Dr. John Ngeno: Architecting Inclusive Supply Chains for Kenya’s Future

Amid Nairobi’s dynamic energy landscape, Dr. John Ngeno, OGW, General Manager of Supply Chain and Logistics at Kenya Power, emerges as a trailblazer. With a bold vision for progress, he champions inclusivity, sustainability, and efficiency, transforming Kenya Power’s procurement into a powerful engine for national empowerment and innovation.

The Scholar Behind the Strategy

With over 15 years of expertise across public and private sectors, Ngeno brings unparalleled insight into the intricacies of African supply chains.Dr.Ngeno’s remarkable career reflects a blend of scholarly excellence and strategic leadership. 

Educated at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Ngeno earned a Bachelor of Commerce, followed by a Master of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics, and capped his academic journey with a Doctorate in Business Administration.

As a dedicated member of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), he stays ahead of industry trends, driving innovation and adapting to the dynamic needs of the supply chain landscape with precision and foresight.

Transforming Procurement: A Vision Realized

When Dr. Ngeno joined Kenya Power in 2020, he inherited a supply chain in need of modernization and greater inclusivity. His response was bold and multifaceted. Under his stewardship, the company’s supply chain operations have become a cornerstone of efficiency and national development, ensuring the seamless procurement, storage, and distribution of materials and equipment vital to powering Kenya.

But the numbers tell only part of the story. In 2024–2025, Dr. Ngeno led a 150% surge in tenders awarded to youth, women, and persons with disabilities through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program, reaching a record KSh 4 billion(over $30 million). 

“Our deliberate focus on empowering youth, women, and local suppliers while reducing lead times is reshaping Kenya Power’s supply chain,” he explains. Notably, youth-led businesses alone secured KSh 3.8 billion(over $29,000), a evidenceto his hands-on approach in leveling the playing field for marginalized groups.

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Innovation as a Cornerstone

Dr. Ngeno’s philosophy is clear: “Innovation is the cornerstone of modern procurement. At Kenya Power, we’re committed to building inclusive, transparent, and sustainable systems that empower communities and drive national development.” This ethos is evident in every initiative he champions.

He spearheaded Kenya Power’s ambitious leap into e-mobility, investing KSh 258 million (over $1.9 million) to roll out over 15 electric vehicle charging stations across key cities and highways. By forging partnerships with counties and private sector players, he is advancing Kenya’s clean mobility transition—an achievement that earned him the Public Sector Supply Chain Leader of the Year award at the 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Awards.

Building Local, Empowering National

Central to Dr. Ngeno’s legacy is his advocacy for local manufacturing. Through the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative, he has reduced reliance on imports by collaborating with domestic industries to produce essential components like lugs and stay wires. 

“We attach engineers to local manufacturers to develop Kenyan-branded products, hitting 40% of our localization target,” he notes. This approach not only accelerates delivery times—from six months to in-country turnaround—but also stimulates local economies and job creation.

Recognizing the barriers faced by new and marginalized suppliers, Dr. Ngeno established an enablement department to guide businesses through the bidding process. “Our office is always full of suppliers learning to navigate tenders,” he shares, reflecting a culture of mentorship and open doors. By introducing letters of credit and tripartite contracts with banks, he has ensured prompt, secure payments—bolstering supplier confidence and ensuring robust cash flow across the ecosystem.

Accolades and Industry Impact

Kenya Power’s dual triumph at the 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit—winning both the Excellence in Procurement Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award and Dr. Ngeno’s own recognition as Public Sector Supply Chain Leader of the Year—underscores the sweeping impact of his leadership. As a keynote speaker at the summit, he captivated audiences with his vision for leveraging digital tools and ethical practices to future-proof Africa’s supply chains. 

The Road Ahead

Dr. Ngeno’s influence stretches far beyond Kenya Power. By aligning procurement practices with national digital and inclusivity goals, rolling out digital survival programs for rural youth, and setting new standards for transparency and efficiency, he is shaping the future of public sector procurement across Africa.

As Kenya Power continues to illuminate homes and industries, Dr. John Ngeno’s legacy shines just as brightly—a testament to the power of visionary leadership, relentless innovation, and an unyielding commitment to empowering every Kenyan.