900 public institutions migrate to e-GP system

ERASTUS GICHOHI-KNA

More than 900 public institutions across the country have migrated to the Government Electronic Procurement (e-GP) system, marking a decisive step in reforming the country’s billion-dollar procurement industry.

The digital platform, rolled out over the past three years, requires public entities to upload mandatory procurement plans, reinforcing transparency, competition, and accountability in the use of public funds.

Speaking in Naivasha, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Director General Patrick Wanjuki described the uptake as a “major shift away from opaque manual processes that have long plagued public procurement.”

“The number of public entities that have migrated to the electronic procurement system has reached 900 over the last three years, despite resistance from some quarters, including the Council of Governors,” Wanjuki said.

He emphasized that the e-GP system enables real-time transactions, end-to-end tracking, and automated audit trails, significantly reducing opportunities for manipulation.

The Council of Governors (CoG) had previously challenged the mandatory rollout in court, arguing that counties were not adequately consulted and warning of potential delays in service delivery.

The court directed that both manual and electronic systems be used during the transition period. Wanjuki, however, cautioned that continued reliance on manual procurement undermines anti-corruption efforts.

“Allowing manual systems negates the gains we are making, opens the door to opaque processes, and weakens accountability, ultimately denying the public value for money,” he said.

Public procurement accounts for nearly 30 percent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product, a billion-dollar industry long targeted by corrupt practices.

The e-GP system forms part of broader reforms under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, aimed at sealing corruption loopholes.                                                             

Despite initial resistance, counties continue to adopt the system, with Murang’a County leading the pace in tendering processes. “Murang’a County has floated over 100 tenders through the electronic system, demonstrating that counties can successfully embrace digital procurement for prudent use of public resources," Wanjuki noted.

Kenya Institute of Supply Chain Management (KISM) CEO Kenneth Matiba said the shift to electronic procurement is improving professional compliance among supply chain practitioners.

Speaking during the induction of newly elected KISM chairperson and council members, Matiba highlighted improved compliance revealed by recent audits and welcomed the election of KISM’s first female chairperson, describing it as a milestone for the profession.

Jennifer Cirindi, the new Chairperson, said e-GP is reshaping government business within the supply chain and procurement space, calling for greater adherence to professional and ethical standards.

“Electronic government procurement has fundamentally changed how government does business and this calls for enhanced compliance to drive change," Cirindi said.

She added that her tenure would focus on professional integrity, innovation, and policy reforms to position Kenya competitively on the global stage in supply chain and procurement practice.