President Kenyatta Issues New Executive Order on Gov’t Procurement System

President Kenyatta has issued an new executive order directing all State institutions and departments to make public details of all tenders awarded to suppliers.

The orders now makes it mandatory for government institutions to publish full details of contracts and individuals or companies who win the bids as the fight on corruption heats up.

The Head of State’s new order takes effect on July 1st, 2018 and will see information on the items or services supplied, contract cost, and details of the suppliers including owners and directors of the companies, published.

“The Executive Order is premised on the Constitutional principles of Chapter 12 on public financial management, and in particular Art. 201 and 227 that emphasize integrity, prudent use of financial resources, and fair, equitable, competitive and cost effective procurement,” reads a statement from State House on Wednesday.

Kenyatta further directed that no public procurement will be carried out outside the electronic platform, Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), beginning next year.

“Further, from the 1st of January 2019, all public procurement will be undertaken through the electronic platform of IFMIS. The Cabinet Secretary National Treasury has been directed to guarantee the integrity of the system, and secure the seamless integration of all public procuring entities,” said Kenyatta.

He reiterated that accounting officers shall take personal responsibility for all tenders given by their agencies, and will be held personally accountable for all funds under their charge.