CS Mbadi defends government's e-procurement system says 'most effective' ever

Speaking in Migori County during the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Migori branch Annual General Meeting, Mbadi acknowledged the autonomy of county governments but stressed that the system is designed to promote accountability and prudent use of funds, not to erode devolution.

“We are aware that counties are autonomous, but E-procurement is not about taking away their powers. It is about ensuring resources are used effectively,” he said, adding that the Treasury will continue engaging governors to address their concerns.

The CS noted that the E-procurement system, already in use by several government departments including State House, has proven effective in tackling challenges such as pending bills.

At the same time, Mbadi revealed that the Treasury is rolling out a Treasury Single Account to enhance transparency and ensure better management of public funds. He explained that some departments had been requesting funds for salaries and other obligations but instead diverted the money into recurrent accounts to earn interest.

“We want to stop these practices by centralising government accounts. This will ensure that funds are only used for their intended purposes,” he said.

The CS also announced plans for an integrated payroll system to eliminate cases of ghost workers, a problem that has cost the government millions in fraudulent salary payments.