By Faith Nyabuto
The High Court has suspended the implementation of the government’s e-procurement system, declaring it illegal and advocating for the use of both manual and electronic processes.
The digital platform, which was introduced to reduce corruption by enhancing transparency and accountability, has now been thrown into uncertainty despite initial optimism from government and sector stakeholders.
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Deputy Government Spokesman Gabriel Muthuma praised the administration’s efforts to embrace accountability and transparency but admitted that procurement had long faced numerous challenges.
He described e-procurement as the surest path to ending corruption and ensuring responsibility in public resource use.
“The state is ensuring that every qualified supplier competes fairly, with faster delivery and supplies to prevent delays,” Muthuma said, adding that opportunities and information should be widely accessible to Kenyans.
Diana Gichengo, Executive Director of the Institute of Social Accountability (TISA), observed that 70 per cent of corruption cases in Kenya are procurement-related and urged that national values must underpin the process.
“Our centralised system of government should ensure everything is done procedurally to promote accountability,” she said.
“Procurement must be citizen-centred, even within public–private partnerships.”
Economist Odhiambo Ramogi faulted state officials for frustrating the technology to preserve corrupt networks.
“Digitisation of procurement is a game changer that will enhance efficiency and eliminate errors, even during document submissions,” he noted.
“It will also ensure openness, with nothing hidden from the public.”
Finance and Investment Consultant David Tanki agreed, saying the system would curb procurement malpractices and reduce corruption if fully embraced.
Stakeholders are now urging the government to invest further in digital solutions that enhance transparency and enable proper audits of procurement processes
