The government has officially launched an end-to-end Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system. This significant development follows a directive from President Ruto during his State of the Nation address on November 21, 2024.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Education’s Principal Secretary, Prof. Julius Bitok, all Principals and Heads of Schools are mandated to implement the e-GP system in their procurement processes by the first quarter of the 2025/2026 Financial Year.
“You are required to implement the use of e-GP system in all your procurement process by the first quarter of 2025/26 financial year” Prof. Bitok stated.
This directive aligns with an earlier National Treasury circular from July 10, 2024, which instructed accounting officers of procuring entities to prepare for this seamless transition.
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The roll-out of the e-GP system is projected to yield multiple benefits for government procurement. It is expected to significantly reduce the cost of acquiring goods, works, and services, while simultaneously increasing transparency in procurement processes and practices.
Furthermore, the system aims to improve efficiency by minimizing the procurement cycle time and maximizing value for money. It is also designed to foster accountability, improve confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of transactions between procuring entities and suppliers.
The new electronic system will also streamline procurement procedures across the government through the standardization of processes and practices.
Finally, it is set to enhance procurement information management, which will facilitate more effective procurement planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Schools are now required to align with this directive.
By Cornelius korir and Joseph Mambili
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