The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Machakos Chapter, Director Stella Ndunge-Kilonzo addressing the Media after a suppliers training on EGP in Machakos. Photo by Virginia Siebella. 
By Stanley Mumo and Virginia Siebella.
Machakos County business people have been urged to embrace the government’s new electronic procurement system (EGP) as a tool to promote transparency, curb corruption and widen access to public tenders.
Speaking during a training organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Machakos Chapter, Director Stella Ndunge-Kilonzo said the initiative is meant to empower suppliers, contractors and entrepreneurs to understand how to apply for government tenders online.
“This program has a big advantage. One, there is transparency. Everyone can apply openly, which reduces the chances of corruption,” she said. “It is easy, accessible and can be done from your office, your home or even a cyber café. Every supplier must join the EGP system at both national and county levels. It is mandatory.”
Ndunge-Kilonzo noted that the system will also promote inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) by enabling them to track applications from bidding to final results through a single government portal.
However, suppliers raised concerns over challenges that could hinder full adoption of the digital platform.
Malei Nthiwa, Managing Director of Bola Properties Limited and a supplier to the Government of Kenya and partner in the Affordable Housing Programme, said he previously struggled to register due to lack of technical support.
“I once went to Treasury in Nairobi and even the interns there could not help me register. But with this training, I can now log into the system and complete my registration,” he said.
Nthiwa warned that the digital divide could disadvantage women and marginalized groups.
“Only about one percent of women are involved in traditional supply chains. Many women do not even know this system exists. Others fear data protection issues when they go to cyber cafés to register,” he said.
He added that requirements such as business logos could lock out small traders like mamamboga who do not have formal branding.
He also called on the government to link procurement with prompt payment, citing the late Mwai Kibaki’s principle of procure to pay.
“There is no need of issuing LPOs when there is no money to pay suppliers. Delayed payments hurt businesses, banks and the entire economy,” he said.
Youth entrepreneur Benjamin Kango welcomed the system, saying it had simplified business registration and access to opportunities.
“I searched my business name, registered using my ID and KRA PIN, created a business profile and completed registration. The process is simple and can be done by anyone,” he said.
KNCCI officials emphasized that continuous training and public awareness will be key to ensuring the system benefits all suppliers, especially women, youth and persons living with disabilities.
As the government rolls out the EGP nationwide, stakeholders are calling for improved internet connectivity, user support and safeguards for vulnerable groups to ensure the digital reform delivers on its promise of transparency, efficiency and inclusion.
