By Anderson Ojwang
The slow pace of implementation of the E-GP System (Electronic Government Procurement System) – an online platform designed to automate and streamline public procurement processes – has witnessed slow business activities in most of the 47 counties.
Some counties have performed dismally in the implementation of the new facility and have been able to conduct only a single contract with the least value below Sh5 million.
But Kisumu, Siaya, Murang’a and Baringo have successfully implemented the digital platform and have been able to conduct business worth millions of shillings.
According to the report on county performance in May 2026, Kisumu County awarded 467 contracts valued at Sh1,394,962,170, while Siaya County came second with 163 contracts awarded at a value of Sh851,023,110.
Murang’a County awarded 71 contracts valued at Sh507,653,336, while Baringo gave out 130 contracts valued at Sh331,763,706.
Least contract awards
During the period, Kajiado gave out only one contract valued at Sh2,598,032, and Machakos also awarded a single contract valued at Sh3,080,500.
West Pokot awarded 12 contracts valued at Sh16,357,613. Tharaka Nithi gave out a single contract whose value was Sh18,761,027, and Kakamega County awarded eight contracts valued at Sh18,791,200.
Below Sh30 million mark contracts
Elgeyo Marakwet awarded 11 contracts valued at Sh20,494,962. Lamu County awarded five contracts valued at Sh23,431,102, and Trans Nzoia awarded one contract valued at Sh24,377,940.
Others included Homa Bay, which awarded 12 contracts valued at Sh29,775,698.
Contract worth Sh50 million mark
Migori County awarded three contracts valued at Sh33,421,466. Samburu County awarded four contracts valued at Sh42,819,956. Bomet County awarded 27 contracts with a value of Sh43,814,400, and Nandi awarded nine contracts valued at Sh44,990,649.
Others: Busia County awarded two contracts with a value of Sh51,315,257.
Contracts worth Sh100 million mark and above
Vihiga County awarded 11 contracts with a value of Sh109,772,404. Uasin Gishu County awarded 11 contracts valued at Sh136,017,301.
In recent interviews, CS Treasury John Mbadi said the digital platform enables government agencies to conduct procurement activities electronically, improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the procurement process.
“The E-GP system will digitise and streamline all public procurement processes, automating each stage from planning to payment. This will enhance greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public procurement. Bid smarter, not harder,” he said.
Mbadi said there will be no exemptions for the electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system from the next financial year.
He said procurement remains one of the biggest areas where public funds are lost, particularly through inflated costs during the sourcing of goods and services.
He went on: “Where we waste money is actually on the procurement side, where instead of procuring a hall for Ksh15,000, you procure for Ksh50,000, and the surplus is shared in between.”
He further explained that cutting recurrent expenditure also presents challenges, warning that aggressive austerity measures could negatively affect businesses and economic activity. Instead, the Treasury has opted to focus on rationalising development expenditure by reviewing projects that are not commercially viable.
He said the government would crack down on procurement loopholes, which have continued to drain public resources, effectively placing a strain on the Treasury.
“If we can seal the loopholes… I know we gave some exemptions this year, and I am saying this today: next financial year, there will be no exemptions for eGP,” Mbadi stated.
