Mombasa: Procurement experts and lawmakers have called for urgent legislative reforms to strengthen Kenya’s public procurement framework, warning that delayed payments to suppliers continue to undermine service delivery and erode public trust.
According to Kenya News Agency, the call was made during the fifth edition of the Heads of Procurement Officers Forum, hosted by the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) in Mombasa, which brought together senior officials from Parliament, the Senate, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Public-Private Partnerships Directorate.
KISM Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Matiba highlighted that the forum aimed to elevate the profile of supply chain professionals while strengthening collaboration with oversight institutions. He emphasized the need for conversations with justice actors and oversight institutions to enhance the role of supply chain professionals in the country.
KISM National Chairperson Jennifer Cirindi stated that the Institute was advocating for reforms to ensure procurement processes, whether public or private, are handled by accountable professionals to deliver value for money to citizens.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, a member of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, mentioned that discussions focused on legislative amendments, policy adjustments at national and county levels, efficiency and fairness in procurement, and strengthened oversight mechanisms. He stressed the importance of making procurement smooth, efficient, and fair.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Otieno Kajwang’, chair of the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee, revealed that procurement processes account for 60 percent of government expenditure, highlighting the sector’s significance in public financial management. He urged reforms to ensure procurement offers genuine value for money beyond mere budget compliance.
Kajwang’ pointed out that pending bills are a major issue affecting suppliers at both national and county levels, with delayed payments causing service providers to wait years for compensation despite proper documentation. He emphasized the need for timely payment and urged KISM to embrace data analytics, propose legislative amendments, and strengthen ties with EACC and Parliament.
Presidential Special Advisor on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods Jaoko Oburu credited the 2005 Public Procurement and Disposal Act with transforming a previously unregulated sector. He praised KISM for its role in professionalizing the industry through member registration and advocacy, and called for continued reforms to ensure ordinary Kenyans benefit from an efficient procurement system.
