Kenya’s county governors have rejected President William Ruto’s directive to fully adopt the electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system.
Through the Council of Governors (CoG), they accused the Treasury of sidelining counties in the rollout. CoG chair Ahmed Abdullahi said the system was rushed and still has technical gaps. Only three counties tested it, yet the Treasury ordered all 47 to comply.
The governors want the circular withdrawn. They insist on more consultations, training, and legal adjustments before full use. Abdullahi warned that threats will not resolve the issue and urged the government to first pilot and improve the system.
President Ruto has taken a tough stance. He said officials who resist the shift should step aside. He views e-procurement as central to fighting corruption and wastage in public spending.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi backed the President. He dismissed attempts by MPs to annul the circular, arguing that only the Cabinet can revoke it. Mbadi maintained that e-GP is legally binding and vital for reform.
Senator Ledama Olekina supported the governors. He argued that forcing counties to adopt the system violates devolution. According to him, the directive undermines county autonomy under the Constitution.
The standoff leaves procurement in limbo. Counties want a phased rollout. The government insists on full compliance. If unresolved, the matter could spill into the courts, slow service delivery, and deepen political rifts.
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