Kapenguria: Suppliers and contractors in West Pokot County have welcomed the government’s introduction of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, describing it as a reform that will enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness in the award of public tenders. The remarks were made during a two-day sensitization and training forum at the Kishaunet Showground Hall.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum was organized by the National Treasury in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) West Pokot chapter. Participants expressed optimism that the e-GP system will bring transparency, efficiency, and equal opportunity in public procurement, benefiting both business and government. Initially skeptical, suppliers gained confidence in the system’s potential to curb corruption and manipulation of tenders after training on registration, bidding, and contract management.
Suppliers have alleged that tendering processes were often compromised, with opportunities reserved for individuals connected to procurement officials, resulting in a lack of transparency and fairness. They believe the e-GP system will bring sanity to the industry by offering equal opportunities to all suppliers seeking business with county and national governments.
David Kapelion, a resident of Kapenguria, thanked National Treasury officials for sensitizing local traders. He noted that the training addressed many concerns about registration and platform usage. Kapelion encouraged fellow suppliers to register on the e-GP platform, expressing optimism that the system will reduce corruption by conducting the procurement process electronically, minimizing human interference.
Zakaria Odero, a businessman in the county, noted that suppliers are encouraged by the government’s move to digitize procurement. He mentioned that the system will reduce bureaucratic paperwork and eliminate opportunities for manipulation, reducing corruption by ensuring everything is done within the system.
Justus Ireri Nyaga from the Government Electronic Procurement unit at the National Treasury explained that the visit aimed to equip suppliers with effective use of the system. The training covered registration, bidding procedures, and contract management, which tracks projects from award to payment. Nyaga emphasized that the e-GP system reduces procurement timelines and enhances accountability.
Enock Toroitich, KNNCI West Pokot County Chamber Manager, expressed full support for the system’s implementation, noting it will address long-standing procurement issues. He observed that the new platform restricts proprietors to registering only one company, promoting fairness. Moi Isack, a director at the KNNCI West Pokot chapter, highlighted the system’s transparency, user-friendliness, and efficiency, allowing suppliers to track tender progress online without intermediaries.
