The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has announced that a newly launched electronic government procurement system (e-GP) will play a crucial role in eliminating procurement irregularities across public institutions in Kenya.
Speaking during a high-level consultative meeting with principal secretaries, board members, and chief executives of state corporations, Koskei described the system launched on April 7, 2025 as a transformative digital solution aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. From July 1, 2025, all state-owned entities are mandated to use the e-GP platform to ensure full compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
“Procurement malpractice ranging from inflated pricing and supplier collusion to illegal single-sourcing has been a persistent challenge. This end-to-end digital system will effectively close the loopholes that have enabled these vices,” Koskei asserted.
He cited audit reports showing repeated awarding of tenders to politically connected firms, some lacking tax compliance certificates or proper registration. “This is not only illegal but a clear abuse of taxpayers’ money and public trust,” he said.
Koskei warned of strict disciplinary measures against any board or CEO who fails to act on oversight reports or attempts to undermine the e-GP system. “Any failure to comply will attract swift corrective action, including dismissal of the entire leadership,” he emphasized.
He also expressed concern over poor compliance with the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) law, which requires 30% of public procurement to benefit youth, women, and persons with disabilities. “Some parastatals allocate as little as 10%. This is a governance failure with real social consequences,” he noted.
Reiterating that the retirement age for public officers remains 60 years or upon contract completion, Koskei cautioned against unlawful attempts to extend tenure or forge personal records. “CEOs exceeding the allowable two terms are in breach of the law,” he said.
Finally, Koskei called on Boards to give the Inspector General of State Corporations unrestricted access to all relevant meetings and ensure audit recommendations are implemented without fail, underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and mismanagement.
