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Kathiani MP: New e-procurement could exclude Kenyans without reliable internet
01st September, 2025 08:06 AM
Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has sharply criticised the government’s new e-procurement system, arguing that it risks disenfranchising millions of Kenyans who lack access to stable internet connectivity.
Speaking on the matter on TV on Monday, August 1, 2025, Mbui said the system, which the government is pushing for nationwide adoption, is “illegal” as it fails to meet the constitutional and legal thresholds of fairness, equity, transparency, competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness.
“The government’s new e-procurement system is illegal because it fails to meet the standards of fairness, equity, transparency, competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Not all parts of the country have the network to access the internet,” Mbui stated.
According to the legislator, pushing ahead with the digital platform without addressing glaring gaps in infrastructure could further marginalise rural and underserved regions. He warned that areas with weak or no internet coverage would be locked out of procurement opportunities, thereby undermining inclusivity and fairness in public resource allocation.
Legality of the system
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge echoed similar concerns, questioning both the readiness and legality of the system. He noted that previous attempts at digitisation in various government sectors, intended to curb corruption, have faced significant obstacles.
“Digitisation across various sectors in this country to fight corruption has faced challenges. Does the e-procurement system meet legal requirements and reach people in remote areas?” Mathenge posed.
Mbui also stressed that while digitisation of procurement is an important step toward fighting corruption and improving efficiency, the process must not come at the expense of equity and access. He argued that the new system would create an uneven playing field, favouring urban centres and institutions with reliable internet, while sidelining counties and communities in remote areas.
“Introducing a system that cannot be accessed by everyone is not only discriminatory but also unconstitutional. A fair process must guarantee that every Kenyan, regardless of their location, can participate meaningfully,” he said.
Both MPs urged the government to invest in infrastructure development before enforcing blanket policies that rely heavily on technology. According to them, rushing the rollout risks creating inefficiencies instead of solving them, as institutions in internet-poor areas may be forced to resort to manual processes, thereby defeating the purpose of the reform.
