MP Duncan Mathenge opposes Ruto’s sudden push for e-procurement system
By David Nthua, September 1, 2025Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Duncan Mathenge, on Monday, September 1, 2025, cast doubt on the sudden push to embrace the e-procurement system.
Speaking to a local TV station, Mathenge questioned the rush, outlining scenarios where the digital model could prove a disadvantage.
He said while digitisation is crucial, there must be clear provisions for exemptions under special circumstances.
Mathenge outlines concerns
“On procurement, a provision for circumstances under which procurement entities may be exempted from online use should be developed. e.g., during calamities.
“During emergencies. In such circumstances and in remote areas, what happens then?” Mathenge posed.
He cited challenges in education as an example, noting that the government’s digital learning initiative has left some schools behind.
“For instance, in education, during the implementation of digital learning, there are schools that have never benefited anyway.
“If we did an audit on digital learning, for example, we would find that there are schools that remain largely disconnected.
“There are situations where real circumstances exist that could hinder procurement entities from using online systems. They should be exempted,” the lawmaker argued.
Mathenge maintained that the government should adopt a flexible approach to avoid excluding institutions in remote or emergency-prone areas.
Ruto’s defence of e-procurement
His concerns came just days after President William Ruto strongly defended the rollout of the e-procurement system, saying it is the only way to open government spending to public scrutiny.
Ruto said the system will ensure that every coin of taxpayers’ money is accounted for and corrupt officials are kept at bay.
“Procurement should be open for all Kenyans to know how their money is being spent,” Ruto said.
He further warned government officials against resisting the transition, insisting that accountability must take precedence.
“Any officials who are not ready to continue with e-procurement can also leave. They will not stop us from fully adopting this system and ensuring our resources are used as expected,” he added.
Mathenge’s reservations now highlight a growing debate over whether the digital shift can be implemented uniformly nationwide.
While Ruto pushes for a radical transition, MPs like Mathenge argue that inclusivity and practicality must not be overlooked in the rush to digitise