Kenya is bleeding billions of shillings annually through a public procurement system that is technically sound on paper but rotten in practice. A damning new assessment has revealed that the country's procurement framework is riddled with complexity, opacity, and systemic gaps that have turned it into a playground for corruption and inefficiency.

The findings come from the 2024 Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) report, a comprehensive evaluation of how the government buys goods and services. The verdict is sobering: while the laws are aligned with international standards, the implementation is a disaster. The report explicitly states that "implementation challenges and systemic gaps prevent the system from reaching its full potential," creating loopholes that cartels are all too eager to exploit.

Complexity Breeds Corruption

One of the report's most critical findings is that the system is unnecessarily complicated. There are so many procurement methods and procedures that public officers often focus on "formal compliance" ticking boxes rather than ensuring the public gets value for money. This confusion is a breeding ground for graft, as unscrupulous actors hide behind bureaucratic jargon to steer contracts to favoured bidders.

• The Transparency Gap: Despite the launch of the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP), the report found that only 73% of major entities publish their tender notices. Even worse, contract amendments and variations—often where the real theft happens—go largely unreported.
• Capacity Crisis: The system is also suffering from a severe shortage of qualified personnel. There are over 34,500 procuring entities in Kenya, yet only about 3,000 registered professionals to manage them. This mismatch means billions are managed by people who lack the skills to detect fraud or negotiate better deals.

A Lucrative Crime

The assessment paints a picture of a sector where corruption has become "a lucrative way... to secure contracts." High fees for filing complaints discourage honest businesses from challenging rigged tenders, while whistleblower protections remain dangerously weak. The result is a culture of silence and impunity.

The report recommends a radical simplification of procedures, a massive expansion of training, and the abolition of complaint fees to empower citizens to fight back. As it stands, the procurement system is not just failing to deliver development; it is actively facilitating the looting of the public purse. Without urgent political will to enforce these reforms, the leakage of billions will continue unabated.