Cherargei backs Ruto amid rising resistance on e-procurement push
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s push for the adoption of e-procurement systems across all government entities, calling it a bold step in the fight against corruption in Kenya.
In a statement on his X account on Monday, September 1, 2025, Cherargei emphasised that embracing digital procurement platforms would bring greater transparency and accountability to public spending.
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“We support President Ruto’s direction on the use in procurement processes in the fight against corruption in our country,” the X post read in a part.
According to the outspoken senator, the new system will help curb inflated pricing and ensure taxpayers get value for money.
“This will allow transparent and accountable procurement processes that shall ensure no overpricing of goods and services to the government,” the statement read.
Cherargei scoffed at the county governments that have been slow to implement e-procurement. While acknowledging the semi-autonomous status of devolved units, he raised red flags over their reluctance.
“While we appreciate that County governments are semi-autonomous, their resistance to use e-procurement processes is fishy and an aim to perpetuate corruption in our devolved units,” he said.
The senator urged governors to align with the national government’s digital transformation agenda and eliminate manual procurement methods that are often marred by graft.
President Ruto’s administration has prioritised e-procurement as part of a broader digital shift meant to enhance service delivery, plug revenue leaks, and build public trust.
Ruto defends e-procurement
The Head of State has issued a stern warning to government officials resisting the adoption of the electronic procurement (e-procurement) system.
Speaking on Sunday, August 31, 2025, during a church service at St Peter’s ACK Cathedral in Siaya, the President stated that there is no turning back in the fight against corruption and wastage of public resources.
Ruto said some individuals within government are adamant about clinging to outdated procurement methods that have long enabled corruption and inflated public spending.
“There are people who want to stick to the old ways where the government buys a product worth Ksh2 at Ksh10,” the President said.
“Procurement should be open for all Kenyans to know how their money is being spent,” he added.
Ruto made it clear that officials unwilling to transition to the new digital system should consider stepping down.
“Any officials who are not ready to continue with e-procurement can as well leave,” he said. “They will not stop us from fully adopting this system and ensuring our resources are used as expected.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption, saying the government will not relent in pursuing full accountability for public funds.
He emphasised that the new e-procurement system is designed to open up government spending to public scrutiny, ensuring that every coin of taxpayers’ money is accounted for.
