Ruto dares govt officials resisting procurement reforms to quit

Caption:President William Ruto speaking at KMTC grounds in Siaya County during a service at St Peter’s ACK Cathedral on Sunday, August 31, 2025. VIDEO/Azimio TV(Official)

President William Ruto has told government officials uncomfortable with his administration’s reform agenda, particularly on e-procurement and anti-graft measures, to step aside instead of frustrating change.

Speaking at the KMTC grounds in Siaya County during a service at St Peter’s ACK Cathedral on Sunday, August 31, 2025, Ruto declared that the transition to a digital procurement system was non-negotiable.

He insisted that the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) platform would enhance transparency and curb corruption in public spending.

Targeting rogue officers

The President accused a section of officials of resisting reforms by sponsoring negative media coverage, especially linking the e-procurement system to questionable expenditures.

He dismissed such reports as attempts to derail accountability efforts.

“I know there is resistance from accounting officers who do not want the e-procurement system. That is why they are sponsoring headlines to mislead Kenyans. Anyone unwilling to work with us should quit and find another job,” Ruto asserted.

Ruto’s tough stance comes just days after National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi moved to dispel confusion over the policy, insisting that the government remains firmly committed to e-procurement.

Mbadi dismissed claims that the circular directing its adoption had been revoked, stressing that no officer had a legal or procedural excuse to ignore it and that Kenya would not revert to manual procurement systems.

Defending health reforms

Ruto also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has faced mounting criticism. He maintained that the system was operational and had exposed fraudulent claims worth billions of shillings from health facilities.

“When we demand verification of the Ksh30 billion claims, they complain because they know corruption is hidden in those figures.

SHA is working and has helped unmask rogue hospitals. We will not release funds until all claims are verified,” he emphasised.

The President warned that his administration would pursue and prosecute individuals who attempt to siphon public money, saying accountability to citizens was not optional.