Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo has transferred 27 procurement officers across various ministries and state departments, a move officials say is aimed at rationalising human resources and plugging staffing gaps as the government rolls out the new e-Government Procurement (eGP) system.
In a circular dated September 26, 2025, PS Kiptoo directed the officers to report to their new stations by September 30, 2025, noting the redeployment followed numerous requests from state departments seeking to strengthen their supply chain management functions.
“You are requested to facilitate the release of the officers to report to their new stations not later than 30th September, 2025 after proper handover in line with the Public Service Commission’s Guidelines,” the circular stated.
The reshuffle comes at a time when procurement in many state agencies has stalled, with departments struggling to adapt to the new presidential directive on eGP.
The system, backed by the World Bank, seeks to digitise all public procurement processes to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and curb corruption.
Despite the reform push, reports indicate most agencies have yet to procure goods or services in the current financial year’s first quarter. Procurement officers have cited inadequate training and poor system readiness as major challenges.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, however, maintains that the government will not roll back on the reforms. Appearing before Parliament last week, Mbadi said the eGP had undergone pilot testing in 12 entities, including ministries, parastatals, oversight bodies, and counties.
“The implementation of eGP will reduce the cost of goods, works, and services, and increase transparency in procurement processes and practice,” Mbadi told the National Assembly Committee on Implementation.
