Governors voice concerns over Ruto's digital procurement strategy, pointing to implementation disorder

The Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, designed to streamline public procurement activities, has been met with resistance from county governments. The system, officially launched on April 7, 2025, was planned to be the sole platform for all public procurement activities across Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and county governments in the 2025/26 financial year.

However, concerns have been raised about its implementation, with only three counties participating in the pilot of the e-GP system before it was enforced nationally. Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi has urged the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, to recall the directive compelling counties to adopt the e-GP system until concerns, such as legal alignment, stakeholder consultations, and capacity building, are addressed.

President William Ruto, on the other hand, has defended the e-GP system, arguing that it plays a crucial role in eliminating corruption and waste. Treasury CS John Mbadi has projected that the system could save up to Sh50 billion annually by curbing fraud and inefficiency.

The CoG has criticised the implementation of the e-GP as hasty and inconsistent, causing severe disruptions in counties' service delivery. In Kiambu County, for instance, 123 health facilities are operating with under 20 per cent pharmaceutical supplies due to difficulties using the e-GP platform. Service delivery in other counties has also been affected, with farmers at risk of losing crops because they cannot purchase seeds due to difficulties with the system.

The governors are not opposed to systems that promote accountability and transparency, but insist that the challenges hindering implementation must be addressed. Lack of adequate sensitisation and training has paralysed procurement processes, particularly in critical sectors such as health.

Moreover, the CoG has emphasised the need for continuous consultation and cooperation between the two levels of government before any circulars or directives that have a direct impact on service delivery can be issued. The governors argue that enforcing the e-GP system without proper consultation undermines the constitutional independence of county governments under Article 6(2).

The government has taken steps to prepare for the implementation of the Electronic Government Contract Management System. Feasibility studies have been conducted, preliminary funding has been allocated, technology partners have been sourced domestically and internationally, and a legal framework has been established through recent digital governance legislation.

However, the CoG has called for the immediate withdrawal of the mandatory roll-out of the e-GP system until proper measures are undertaken. Governor Abdullahi stated that the government should not threaten withholding funds as a response to concerns about the e-GP system.

As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a solution that addresses the concerns of both the national government and the county governments is crucial to ensuring the smooth implementation of the e-GP system and maintaining the integrity of public procurement processes in Kenya.