Kenya’s government reaffirms commitment to the digitisation of public procurement through the expanding e-GP system, despite concerns over its impact on rural and small enterprises. With over 87% registration achieved, officials highlight progress towards transparency and efficiency, while critics warn of potential digital divides.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, insisting that the digital reform is progressing well despite criticism from some members of parliament. Announced on September 3, 2025, the government reports full registration of State departments and county governments on the platform, with over 87% of corporations and companies also registered, alongside extensive training of thousands of government officers.
Mbadi highlighted that the update, presented by Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo during a meeting of PSs at State House, Nairobi, marks a significant milestone in digitising government transactions. The e-procurement system is designed to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public procurement while significantly narrowing opportunities for corruption, including inflated contracts, ghost suppliers, and deliberate delays that have historically caused massive taxpayer losses.
Launching the e-GP system earlier in the year, Mbadi framed it as a cornerstone of the government’s broader Digital Superhighway Agenda, which aims to deliver 80% of public services online. The system mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Government Agencies (MDAs) to adopt it fully from July 1, 2025, targeting savings of over Sh50 billion in the 2025/26 financial year by eliminating inefficiencies and curbing procurement malpractices. Pilot implementations with agencies such as KenGen and counties including Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Makueni have already been conducted as part of the phased rollout.
Despite these advances, the reforms have encountered significant resistance from some MPs who argue that the system poses fresh challenges, especially for suppliers in rural and underserved areas. Critics, like Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, contend that the e-procurement setup risks excluding many Kenyans due to poor internet connectivity and limited digital capacity, thereby undermining principles of fairness, equity, and inclusivity enshrined in the constitution. Mbui described the system as “illegal” on constitutional grounds, warning that those in areas with weak or no internet access would be effectively locked out, disproportionately affecting youth- and women-led small enterprises.
Several MPs have voiced concerns that the government may be rushing the reforms without adequately addressing these infrastructural and capacity challenges. They argue that larger firms with superior digital infrastructure are poised to dominate, sidelining smaller suppliers and potentially deepening existing inequalities in government procurement opportunities.
Mbadi, however, remains steadfast. He emphasises that the system contains built-in safeguards that secure submitted records from manipulation, enabling full traceability and unprecedented transparency. Speaking to the issue of resistance among some officials, Mbadi suggested that their unease reflects the effectiveness of reforms in closing loopholes that previously enabled corruption and irregular tendering. He has issued firm directives to Principal Secretaries and accounting officers to ensure the swift implementation of the system and warned that non-compliance will lead to recommendations for disciplinary action, escalating to the President if necessary.
The ongoing clash between reform proponents and sceptics reflects wider tensions as Kenya seeks to modernise its public service delivery while balancing technological innovation with inclusivity. As Parliament reconvenes, debates over the pace and impact of the e-procurement rollout are expected to intensify, with particular focus on how to ensure equitable access for all suppliers across the country.
In summary, the government’s digitisation push through the e-GP system represents a major stride towards enhancing procurement integrity and fiscal accountability. Yet, the success of these reforms will depend heavily on addressing infrastructural gaps and ensuring that the digital transition does not inadvertently marginalise smaller businesses and rural constituencies, maintaining the delicate balance between efficiency and equity in public resource management.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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