Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) has pledged its full support for the rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP), hailing it as a landmark reform that will transform the country’s procurement sector by embedding transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Speaking in Nairobi during the release of a press statement, KISM Chairman John Karani described the digitization of procurement processes as “long overdue.”
“The rollout of the e-GP system is a bold step in modernizing procurement governance. It will not only curb corruption and inefficiencies but also empower supply chain professionals to deliver with integrity and accountability,” said Karani.
KISM Chief Executive Officer Mr. Matiba underscored that the success of the e-GP system will largely depend on the participation of Kenya’s over 28,000 registered supply chain professionals.
“Our professionals form the backbone of public procurement in this country. They have resolved to embrace and support the system, and we are equipping them with the necessary skills to make the transition smooth,” he said.
In collaboration with the National Treasury, KISM has already trained 1,317 supply chain professionals on e-GP operations over the past two months. In addition, 30 practitioners are undergoing a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) programme at the Kenya School of Government and are set to graduate this week, providing critical capacity-building support to public entities.
To further strengthen professionalism, the Institute has recommended that only registered and licensed supply chain practitioners be permitted to operate on the new platform, in compliance with the Supplies Practitioners Management Act, 2007. This also aligns with a 2023 government directive requiring all public procurement officers to hold valid KISM membership and licenses.
KISM is also working closely with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to embed ethical practice in procurement through targeted capacity-building programmes.
“By digitizing procurement, we are closing loopholes, reducing external influence, and reinforcing the culture of integrity in public service,” Mr. Matiba emphasized.
The Institute pointed to international benchmarks to highlight the potential impact of the reform. Rwanda’s UMUCYO and Ghana’s GHANEPS platforms have boosted inclusivity and transparency, while South Korea’s KONEPS is widely regarded as a global model for procurement efficiency. Portugal’s adoption of an e-GP system led to a 20 percent reduction in procurement contract costs within the first year.
Chairman Karani noted that Kenya could achieve similar benefits:
“World Bank studies show governments typically save between 10 and 15 percent in procurement expenditures within the first year of rollout. With e-GP, Kenya stands to achieve similar savings and improvements.”
KISM reaffirmed its commitment to providing continuous training, technical support, and advisory services to ensure the system’s full adoption and sustainability.
“The e-GP is not just about digitization—it is about restoring public trust and delivering value for Kenyans,” concluded CEO Matiba.
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