By A, KNA
Suppliers and contractors in West Pokot County have welcomed the government’s roll-out of the
Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, describing it as a transformative reform that
will enhance transparency, accountability and fairness in the award of public tenders.
The suppliers made the remarks during a two-day sensitization and training forum held at
the Kishaunet Showground Hall in Kapenguria.
The forum was organized by the National Treasury in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) West Pokot chapter.
The Suppliers and contractors expressed optimism that the full implementation of the Electronic Government Procurement system will usher in a new era of transparency, efficiency and equal opportunity in public procurement, ultimately benefiting both business and the government.
Participants admitted that they had initially doubted the effectiveness of the new digital
procurement system.
However, after undergoing training on how to register, bid and manage contracts through the platform, they expressed confidence that the system will help curb corruption, nepotism and manipulation of tenders by cartels.
They claimed that tendering processes were often compromised, with opportunities
allegedly reserved for individuals with connections to procurement officials locking out genuine
business and capable businesses due to lack of transparency and fairness.
The introduction of the e-GP system, they noted, will bring sanity to the business industry
for all suppliers seeking to do business with both the county and national governments.
The suppliers and contractors in West Pokot County expressed optimism that the full
implementation of the Electronic Government Procurement system will usher in a new era of
transparency, efficiency and equal opportunity in public procurement, ultimately benefiting both
business and the government.
David Kapelion, a resident of Kapenguria, thanked officials from the National Treasury
for visiting the region to sensitize local traders on the importance of the new system.
He said the training had addressed many concerns suppliers had regarding registration
and usage of the platform.
“We had many questions about how the system works, but after the sensitization, we now
understand it better. It is a good system that will enable us to transact business fairly with the
government,” he said.
Kapelion urged fellow suppliers to register on the e-GP platform to access government
tenders, expressing optimism that the system will significantly reduce corruption since the entire
procurement process from tender advertisement to payment is conducted electronically with
minimal human interference.
Zakaria Odero, a businessman in the county, said suppliers are encouraged by the
government’s move to digitize procurement.
He noted that the system will reduce bureaucratic paperwork and eliminate opportunities for manipulation.
“Corruption will soon be a thing of the past because everything is done within the system.
There is less room for interference,” he said. Adding that suppliers who attended the session are
ready to embrace the digital platform.
Justus Ireri Nyaga from the Government Electronic Procurement (GEP) unit at the
National Treasury said the visit aimed to equip suppliers and contractors with knowledge on how
to use the system effectively.
He explained that the training covered suppliers’ registration, bidding procedures and the
contract management module, which tracks projects from award to execution and payment.
Nyaga emphasized that the e-GP system is designed to reduce procurement timelines,
enhance accountability and ensure cost-effectiveness.
By minimizing human interaction in procurement processes, he said, the platform reduces
opportunities for corruption and price inflation while ensuring adherence to the stipulated
procurement periods.
He added that the second day of the forum would involve a GEP clinic, where suppliers
would receive one-on-one assistance with registration, approval and bidding for ongoing tenders.
Enock Toroitich, the KNNCI West Pokot County Chamber Manager, said the chamber
fully supports the implementation of the system, noting that it will address long-standing issues
in the procurement sector.
He observed that under the old system individuals could register multiple companies to
unfairly secure tenders, but the new platform restricts proprietors to registering only one
company, thereby promoting fairness.
Moi Isack, a director at the KNNCI West Pokot chapter, said the digital platform will
significantly reduce costs associated with paperwork and printing.
He described the system as transparent, user-friendly and efficient, adding that suppliers
can now track the progress of their tenders online without relying on intermediaries.