President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday issued an Executive Order on Procurement of Public Goods, Works, and Services by Public Entities directing that all information regarding the process of procurement be published from 1 July 2018.
Posting on his Twitter page, Government spokesman Manoah Esipisu stated: "In line with His Excellency the President’s commitment to entrench good governance in the management of public affairs and deepen accountability and transparency in the procurement of public goods, works and services...
"The Executive Order requires all government entities and public owned institutions to publish full details of tenders and awards from the 1st of July 2018," the Head of State exclaimed.
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Additionally, the President noted that the publication will allow members of the public to access the information which shall include the items or services purchased, contract prices, and the particulars of the suppliers including owners, directors and beneficial ownership.
The President further asserted: "This will enhance the highest level of public scrutiny at all units of public administration, and thereby improve the management of public resources for public good."
Uhuru also declared that from the 1 January 2019, all public procurement will be undertaken through the electronic platform of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).
"The Cabinet Secretary National Treasury Henry Rotich has been directed to guarantee the integrity of the system, and secure the seamless integration of all public procuring entities," he mentioned.
The president reiterated that as outlined in their respective Letters of Appointment, Accounting Officers shall take personal responsibility for all procurements in their agencies and will be held personally accountable for all public resources under their charge.
The government spokesman also highlighted that the President's directive is in line with 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," he added.
Uhuru's directive follows a court ruling made on Wednesday that set aside orders suspending the vetting of procurement officers as he (Uhuru) had ordered initially.
[caption caption="File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta"]
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