A bitter standoff is brewing in Parliament over Kenya’s new electronic procurement system, with lawmakers accusing the Treasury of forcing through a policy that many public institutions are unprepared to use.
The Electronic Government Procurement System, or E-GPS, is at the centre of the dispute. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi says the platform will stamp out graft and bring transparency to public spending. But MPs and governors insist the rollout is premature, costly, and, in their view, not backed by law.
“We made a decision to use electronic procurement. The law clearly emphasises this. It is the most effective way to combat corruption and ensure transparency,” Mr Mbadi told the Parliamentary Committee on the Implementation of the Constitution on Thursday.
His remarks drew sharp resistance. Legislators argued that many county and state agencies lack the infrastructure or skills to operate the digital system. Others stressed that procurement laws still permit manual processes.
“It doesn’t matter what the government thinks; what matters is what the law says,” said Mark Mwenje, the MP for Embakasi West. “Most institutions are struggling. The law provides for both methods. If you believe electronic procurement is the best option, bring it to Parliament and let’s amend the law.”
Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgei urged a gradual rollout. “Let’s not rush the country into adopting a system we don’t fully understand,” he said. “Implementation should begin with high-risk areas first, then expand gradually.”
Kiminini MP Maurice Kakai warned of political fallout if the project faltered. “Introducing a system cannot be a revolution, it must be a change,” he told Mr Mbadi. “If it fails, you will take responsibility.”
The system, procured in 2022 at a cost of 387 million shillings, has two service providers — one local and another based in India, according to Mr Mbadi. That revelation came after MPs pressed him on ownership, with some suggesting, without evidence, that the platform may have been designed abroad for private gain.
Lawmakers also demanded clarity on whether the Treasury would obey a directive from the House to suspend implementation until further review. “That means for the entire year, some institutions may not procure anything,” Mr Mwenje said. “Are you going to comply with the House’s direction or not?”
For now, the stalemate remains unresolved, leaving the future of Kenya’s push to digitise procurement in doubt. At stake is a system billed as a bulwark against corruption but facing mounting scepticism from those expected to use it.
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