War on corruption: Uhuru announces changes in govt procurement system

President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued an executive order directing all government institutions to begin publishing full details of tenders and those who win the bids as the war on corruption heats up.

The process, which is set to begin July 1, 2018, will see publishing of information on the items or services purchased, contract prices, and the particulars of the suppliers including owners, directors and beneficial ownership of the companies.

“The Executive Order is premised on the Constitutional principles of Chapter 12 on public financial management, and in particular Art. 201 and 227 that emphasize integrity, prudent use of financial resources, and fair, equitable, competitive and cost effective procurement,” reads a statement from State House.

In a bid to streamline the money-minting public procurement activities, Mr. Kenyatta on Wednesday stated that beginning next year, no public procurement will be done outside the electronic platform, Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

“Further, from the 1st of January 2019, all public procurement will be undertaken through the electronic platform of IFMIS. The Cabinet Secretary National Treasury has been directed to guarantee the integrity of the system, and secure the seamless integration of all public procuring entities,” said Kenyatta.

He further insisted that accounting officers shall take personal responsibility for all procurement in their agencies, and will be held personally accountable for all public resources under their charge.