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By Omondi Rodgers
Busia, Kenya: Contractors and suppliers in Busia County have been sensitized on the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in a move aimed at promoting transparency, eliminating corruption, and enhancing equity in public procurement.
Speaking after the training, Wilfred Siakama from the National Treasury said the sensitization marks the second phase of the nationwide rollout. He noted that the system will reduce manual approvals, cut costs, and eliminate excessive paperwork by introducing a fully digital, end-to-end procurement process.
“This is the second phase covering Busia, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Machakos, among others. We are informing our suppliers about the importance of using e-GP because it will eliminate the manual system and bring a digital end-to-end process. We want to enhance transparency by enabling access to contracts, disposal plans, and procurement plans,” he said.
Siakama added that the system is fully developed and operational, with supplier registration already underway.
“The system is complete. We have implemented e-tender preparation, e-tendering, e-evaluation, and e-contract management modules. So far, more than 36,000 suppliers have been approved online. Our aim now is to create more awareness and register additional suppliers,” he said.
He further emphasized that the initiative targets all suppliers, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program.
“We are reaching out to all suppliers working with both county and national governments. The issue of financial access has been addressed, as payments can now be made based on the percentage of work completed. The system is also configured to ensure the 30% reservation for those under AGPO is upheld,” he noted.
Charles Indede, a contractor, lauded the sensitization exercise, saying the new system will improve accountability and transparency.
“Previously, we applied for tenders manually, and our documents would pass through many hands. It was difficult to track applications, and the process was prone to fraud. With the new system, we can trace our applications, which builds trust and minimizes corruption,” he said.
Sebastian Sunya from Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Busia chapter observed that the previous system disadvantaged many genuine suppliers.
“Some individuals have been exploiting youth, women, and persons with disabilities to secure tenders, even when they did not belong to those groups. The new system brings equity and efficiency. Those close to power have benefited in the past, but this is locking them out. We urge the Treasury to continue training and sensitizing more people so that those who had given up can embrace the new system,” he said.
Richard Makhulo, Site Coordinator of the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union, said delayed payments have been a major challenge for contractors.
“The new system is fighting corruption, and the identification process ensures that everyone has a verified account, eliminating impersonation. Payments based on the percentage of work completed will be a great relief to many contractors and suppliers,” he said.
Vivian Barasa, a supplier, commended the reforms, saying they will empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“The system promotes transparency and gives women and youth a fair opportunity to compete for tenders meant for us. In the past, we were denied contracts for unknown reasons, but now our reservations have been safeguarded,” she said.
