NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has strongly defended the government's push for a mandatory e-procurement system, stating it is a critical measure to eradicate deep-seated corruption and reduce wasteful spending within public institutions. Speaking at Umma University on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the President underscored the urgent need for transparency and accountability in all government financial transactions.

President Ruto lamented that the existing procurement framework has become a fertile ground for graft, transforming public purchasing into a lucrative enterprise for unscrupulous individuals rather than a mechanism for delivering essential services to Kenyans. “This is why we are changing our procurement mechanism so that we stop theft and corruption that has pervaded our procurement and made it an enterprise for making money and not providing services,” he stated emphatically.

The Rationale Behind E-Procurement

The President's remarks highlight a long-standing challenge in Kenya's public sector: the pervasive nature of corruption in procurement processes. Manual systems are often criticised for their lack of transparency, susceptibility to manipulation, and the difficulty in tracking transactions, making them ripe for fraudulent activities. E-procurement, conversely, promises a digital, auditable trail for every transaction, from tendering to payment, thereby significantly reducing opportunities for malfeasance.

• Enhanced Transparency: Digital platforms allow for real-time tracking and public scrutiny of procurement activities, fostering greater accountability.
• Reduced Corruption: By minimising human interaction and automating processes, the system aims to curb bribery and influence peddling.
• Cost Efficiency: Streamlined processes, competitive bidding facilitated by wider reach, and reduced administrative overheads are expected to lead to significant cost savings for the government.
• Improved Efficiency: Automation of tasks such as bid submission, evaluation, and contract management can drastically cut down procurement cycles.
• Wider Participation: E-procurement platforms can open up opportunities for more suppliers, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to participate in government tenders, fostering competition.

Stakeholder Concerns and Implementation Challenges

While the government's intention to combat corruption through e-procurement is widely supported, analysts and various stakeholders have raised pertinent questions regarding the practicalities of its implementation. Key concerns revolve around the clarity of timelines, the financial implications of setting up and maintaining such a system, and the safeguards that will be put in place to ensure its integrity and prevent new forms of digital fraud.

Experts suggest that a successful rollout will require a robust technological infrastructure, comprehensive training for government officials and potential suppliers, and a clear legal and regulatory framework to govern the digital procurement landscape. Furthermore, addressing potential digital divides and ensuring equitable access for all businesses, particularly those in remote areas, will be crucial.

The move is expected to significantly influence public debate and policy execution in the near term. Civil society organisations and opposition figures are likely to scrutinise the implementation process closely, demanding transparency and accountability at every stage. The success of this initiative will not only depend on the technology itself but also on the political will to enforce strict adherence and penalise non-compliance.

President Ruto's administration views e-procurement as a cornerstone of its broader agenda to reform public service delivery and foster a more ethical governance environment. The coming months will reveal how effectively these ambitious plans translate into tangible results, ultimately impacting the trust citizens place in government institutions.