Butere Member of Parliament Tindi Mwale has defended the newly introduced Electronic Government Procurement (e‑GP) system, describing it as a game changer in the fight against corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
Mwale, who is also the Chairperson of the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, made the remarks while addressing residents in the Seregeya area in the Likuyani Constituency, Kakamega County.
He said the e‑GP system would help the government control and effectively manage procurement processes in a transparent manner that benefits all Kenyans.
“We want to control and manage the procurement process for the benefit of the public. Everyone should support electronic procurement because we cannot claim to be doing procurement while deciding who gets tenders,” Mwale said.
He added that adopting an electronic system would ensure transparency, accountability, and prudent utilisation of public funds.
“If we go the electronic way, public resources will be used transparently and in a manner that satisfies public expectations. Leaders opposing this system are the ones who fear accountability,” he stated.
Mwale was responding to remarks by Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, who had earlier criticised the system, claiming it was slowing down development projects at the grassroots level.
While acknowledging concerns over delays, Mwale said the President had recently reminded leaders to perform their constitutional roles and deliver services to the public.
“I fully support President William Ruto’s call for leaders to deliver. However, leaders cannot deliver services when resources are tied up due to implementation challenges,” Mwale noted.
He pointed out that since the introduction of the e‑GP system in July 2025, many development projects have stalled, with the country now in the third quarter of the financial year.
“From July last year to date, we have been unable to implement planned projects. Even governors cannot execute projects because their hands are tied,” he said.
Mwale urged the government to address the challenges facing the rollout of the system, warning that delays could hamper development.
“If the government was not fully ready with the system, it should find a way to allow leaders to continue implementing development projects within their mandates as the system is being stabilised,” he said.
Last year, the National Treasury issued a circular directing all public institutions, including ministries, state corporations, and county governments, to exclusively use the e‑GP system for procurement by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.
The system, launched in July 2025, is designed to automate procurement, enhance efficiency and transparency, and curb corruption and inefficiencies in public spending.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
