Sigei: Digital System Will Stop Tender Favors
During a special gathering in Nairobi on Monday, September 1, 2025, they condemned the Treasury for rushing the introduction without fixing gaps
He explained that all bids will be traceable, visible, and auditable in real time, so it will be more difficult for county bosses to rig results. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/wakilisigei.senator
By Juliet Jerotich
Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei has argued that the new government e-procurement system will bring an end to discriminatory tendering in the counties. He stated that the system would stop governors’ practice of awarding lucrative tenders to girlfriends, boyfriends, or friends over qualified contractors.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, during an interview with a local TV station, Sigei strongly endorsed the platform. He further stated that the electronic system will seal loopholes that have facilitated corruption and cronyism to thrive in procurement in counties.
“This process will be fair and transparent. It will stop governors from giving contracts to girlfriends and boyfriends rather than eligible businesses,” Sigei added.
The senator assured that e-procurement will open up tendering. He explained that all bids will be traceable, visible, and auditable in real time, so it will be more difficult for county bosses to rig results.
His remarks come when tensions between the Council of Governors (CoG) and the National Treasury are rising over the adoption of the system. The Treasury has just directed all government offices, including the counties, to transition to the electronic platform.
Governors have rebuffed the directive, however. During a special gathering in Nairobi on Monday, September 1, 2025, they condemned the Treasury for rushing the introduction without fixing gaping technical loopholes.
Led by CoG executive member and Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif Abdullahi, the county leaders signaled that they will not be intimidated into adopting a system that is yet to be ready. “We request the National Treasury to pull back the circular until there’s proper consultation,” stated Abdullahi.
The governors also warned that the premature launch would lock up county services. They pointed out that just three counties tested the platform and all of them experienced significant failures.
“If it is not working, it is not working. Don’t push it down our throats,” Abdullahi told the Treasury CS John Mbadi.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga repeated the sentiments. He indicated that counties do not object to technology but asserted that the system had to first work. “We have no issue with e-procurement. But we cannot be compelled to utilize a platform that is evidently faulty,” Kahiga declared.
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