Embu: Suppliers in Embu County have welcomed the rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GPS), terming it a long-awaited reform that is set to restore fairness, transparency and competitiveness in government tendering. They expressed optimism that the digital system will also aid in dismantling entrenched cartels in the public tendering process, thus creating a level playing field for all suppliers.
According to Kenya News Agency, suppliers voiced their concerns during a training session organised by the State Department for Public Investment and Assets Management in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) at the University of Embu. They complained that under the manual procurement, government tenders have been a preserve of a ‘class of a few well-connected individuals.’
Mugo Mate, a supplier and Chair of the KNCCI Embu Branch, stated that tendering processes were compromised, with opportunities reserved for those with connections to procurement officials. This practice effectively excluded many credible suppliers who met all legal and professional requirements, allowing a few ‘tenderpreneurs’ with political connections to dominate public contracting. Mate further alleged that some individuals had registered multiple companies to increase their chances of winning tenders, thereby locking out other qualified bidders.
He emphasized that the e-GPS platform, which fully digitizes the procurement process, will help close these loopholes and enhance transparency and fair play. Contractor Alex Murithi echoed these sentiments, noting that some contracts were previously awarded without proper advertisement, denying many suppliers a fair opportunity to compete. Murithi expressed hope that the new system’s transparent online advertisement and application processes will enable suppliers across the county to participate in government business without discrimination.
Ruth John, representing persons living with disabilities, highlighted the issue of the constitutional requirement that 30 per cent of all government tenders be reserved for enterprises owned by youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) not being fully adhered to. She urged both national and county governments to ensure that the reserved quota is strictly observed under the new electronic procurement framework to benefit marginalised groups.
Wilfred Siakama from the National Treasury assured suppliers that the government intends to enhance accountability, curb corruption, and promote openness in public spending with the new system. He reported that over 35,000 suppliers had already registered on the platform nationwide, indicating growing confidence in the system. Siakama encouraged suppliers in Embu to enrol in large numbers, stating that the digital transition marks a new era of integrity and equal opportunity for all in government procurement.
