Born and raised in a village in Central Kenya, Dr Paul Nyathore could have been bound by the limitations of his environment. Instead, he used education as a ladder out of rut of poverty. Today, he is a leader in supply chain management, with honours spanning the globe.
“What drives me is my background, appreciating where I have come from and, of course, now as a parent, I really get my drive from my children, wanting the best for them,” he says.
He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. This route led him to pursue an MBA and later a PhD at the University of Nairobi, where he specialised in public procurement appeals—a topic critical to enhancing accountability in Kenya’s procurement systems.
“Education is the equaliser,” he says, a belief that fuelled his ascent from modest beginnings to academic and professional heights.
"Focus on learning before earning and embrace emerging trends like ICT and artificial intelligence."
His research has earned him national and international accolades, including two awards from the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management for outstanding research and a finalist position at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Young Procurement Professional Awards in the UK.
For young professionals aspiring to succeed in supply chain management, his advice is clear: “Focus on learning before earning and embrace emerging trends like ICT and artificial intelligence.”
A father of three, he finds joy in spending quality time with his family and supporting educational initiatives for underprivileged children and those with disabilities. His deep-rooted belief in giving back stems from his own journey and fuels his desire to uplift others.
-Mercy Simiyu