Governors say no to e-procurement, want system put on hold

The Council of Governors has opposed the implementation of the online procurement system; e-procurement.

In a statement, the governors said e-procurement should be put on hold to allow county personnel enough time to familiarize themselves with the system.

“On procurement, the activation of the same must be put on hold until all personnel at the county level have been fully trained on the setting and use of the system,” read the statement in part.

The governors stated that whereas the system seeks to promote accountability and inclusivity in procurement, it is vital that all personnel meant to handle it are well versed with the same.

They further accused the national government of introducing a supplier portal which seeks to centralize the tendering process, a move they claimed will affect devolution.

“The council strongly opposes the inception of this programme because it will erode and offend the objects of devolution on ensuring equitable sharing of national and local resources through the country.”

They further expressed their disappointment with the auditor general for not incorporating responses given by counties into the final report saying in some counties the input from management was either disregarded or not sought at all.

The governors congratulated County Government of Mombasa for performing its first open heart surgery under the devolved system stating that devolution of health sector is on course.

They also congratulated the people of Kenya, security agencies and private and civil society for successfully hosting President Barack Obama last weekend.