CS Murkomen backs mandatory e-procurement adoption amid legal pushback
CS Kipchumba Murkomen noted that while challenges are inevitable when introducing new processes, they should be addressed practically rather than theoretically.
Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen has thrown his support behind the mandatory adoption of the electronic government procurement system, saying it will enhance transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
Speaking on the implementation of the system on Friday, September 19, in Nyamira, Murkomen noted that while challenges are inevitable when introducing new processes, they should be addressed practically rather than theoretically.
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“It will ensure the most qualified persons deliver services to Kenyans. When you are introducing a new system, you will definitely have challenges, and it can’t be theoretical but practical,” he said.
Murkomen shared his firsthand experience with e-procurement, highlighting its benefits despite initial hurdles.
“I was very happy the other day to approve the procurement plan electronically. The procurement is ongoing, and yes, we are having challenges, and those challenges will ensure the process is transparent,” he said.
The CS also emphasised the government’s continued commitment to refining the system.
“We are tendering for consumables and for operations. We totally support e-procurement. There are some challenges, and we will continue having challenges when you introduce something new. But you must adopt the system, then you work on the challenges,” Murkomen said, stressing the need to embrace innovation while improving it over time.
The National Treasury has reaffirmed that the electronic government procurement system (eGP) will continue to be rolled out, despite Parliament annulling a circular mandating its use and a High Court suspending its enforcement.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi told the National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation of House Resolutions that the government remains committed to e-procurement, stressing that it is a legal and constitutional obligation aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending.
“Even if you annulled the PPRA Circular No 04/2025, we have a circular that I issued in March and another circular by the Head of Public Service issued in June this year on eGP,” Mbadi said.
“We have the Public Finance Management Act, Regulations 2020, and Article 227 of the Constitution that give me the power to provide a system for public procurement. We are telling our officers to go to e-procurement. There are those resisting and waiting for miracles to happen, but that will not happen. We are not going back to manual procurement,” he added.
Parliament had earlier revoked the directive requiring all public entities to adopt the digital platform, arguing that it violated Section 77 of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which allows both manual and electronic methods. The annulled circular had been intended to make e-tendering compulsory for all public procurement.
The High Court, three days ago, suspended the mandatory use of eGP for all government and county entities, pending a petition filed by the Council of Governors (CoG) and four other parties.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the order as a temporary measure while the case is considered.
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