The National Treasury is reviewing a proposed framework that will guide the allocation of government contracts and public assets, including provisions for youth, women, persons with disabilities and small businesses.
In a notice issued through the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management on Tuesday, October 20, the Treasury invited businesses, professional bodies, civil society organisations, development partners, public institutions and members of the public to examine the draft rules on preferential treatment in public procurement and asset disposal.
“The State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management/National Treasury hereby invites members of the public and all interested stakeholders to participate in the review of the draft document on Development of Preferences and Reservations in Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Framework,” the notice stated.
The proposed framework seeks to improve oversight through measures for tracking implementation, reporting and ensuring accountability.
The National Treasury Building
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National Treasury
It also outlines measures to curb practices such as using other people or businesses to qualify for tenders and colluding to undermine fair competition.
In addition, the framework aims to expand opportunities for eligible individuals, businesses and groups while reinforcing provisions under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
It covers the awarding of government contracts for goods, works and services, as well as the sale or disposal of public assets to eligible groups.
The proposals also address access for disadvantaged and marginalised communities, micro, small and medium enterprises, alongside measures to encourage local participation and the use of locally available goods and services.
Further, the draft outlines requirements for eligibility checks, registration and verification to establish which applicants qualify for preferential treatment.
Treasury asked those submitting feedback to identify the relevant sections and, where possible, recommend specific changes with supporting reasons.
Submissions must reach the State Department by Tuesday, November 3, via designated email addresses, or be delivered in hard copy to the Principal Secretary in Nairobi.
The review comes as the government steps up efforts to improve oversight of public procurement, with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi in August directing all 47 county governments to integrate the electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP) with the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) by the end of September.
Treasury said linking the two systems would improve transparency, efficiency, accountability, and value for money in procurement, where inflated costs in the purchase of goods and services have been identified as a source of losses.
An impression of tender files.
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Kenya School of TVET