Aasai

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government will vigorously implement e-procurement of goods and services to enhance accountability and transparency within its ranks. The Deputy President said the implementation of e-procurement in national and county governments will not be reversed, reaffirming the strong commitment of the Ruto administration to ensure the effective implementation of the system. 

While acknowledging the significant challenges in the initial stages of implementation, he said this will not be an excuse to revert to previous platforms that were plagued by manipulation. "E-procurement enhances accountability and transparency in the use of public resources. We must overcome the challenges and fully implement e-procurement because we will not go back to the manual procurement system under any circumstances," the Deputy President said at the Development Forum. Makasi in Karen, Nairobi. Similarly, the DP said the use of the Single Treasury Account (TSA) for national and county government funds is aimed at eliminating the misuse of public resources by unscrupulous individuals who have developed a habit of depositing them in commercial banks to earn interest that is not known to exist.

 “This is a key reform that we are pushing for in the financial sector. The Single Treasury Account is important because the resources of the Government of Kenya must be deposited with the Central Bank. Many organizations have been depositing public resources in commercial banks that earn interest that is not accounted for,” the DP stressed. Last year, the Cabinet approved the reform that gave the National Treasury the oversight of its implementation by letter. 

The Cabinet decision was based on the need to streamline government banking services, create visibility of government resources, increase transparency in financial management and reduce the operation of multiple accounts in commercial banks. “We will not back down on them. There is no going back, there is no surrender. No amount of going back will make us review these policy decisions approved by the Cabinet,” Prof. Kindiki noted.

 The forum was attended by senior representatives of various development partners, Cabinet Secretaries and members of the Constitutional Commissions and Offices. Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury John Mbadi said he would not waver in leading e-procurement and the use of a single account despite opposition from some quarters. "I committed to bringing e-procurement to government.

 I have issued a circular to all government officials to procure through e-procurement and that position remains until the Cabinet rescinds it," he noted.