Curious call for supply of typewriters

The Lands ministry has invited tenders for typewriters and duplicators—equipment that is basically obsolete in the digital era.

The office machines that were in vogue before the introduction of computers and other gizmos such as smartphones, are also a curious requisition for the young government, which came into office on a digital platform, while castigating their opponents as belonging to the ‘analogue’ era.

UNUSUAL GOODS

In a call for tenders to supply the goods, the Lands ministry sought 25 typewriters and duplicators, which could be unusual because computers, which are widely available and affordable, would be far more efficient.

The tenders placed by the ministry’s public works directorate, of which 30 per cent is specifically set aside for youth, women and the disabled, is mandated to source and list suppliers for common user items for all government entities at the national and county levels.

Eligible bidders are invited to supply the items to government ministries and departments in the 47 counties for one year.

They are also expected to source their supplies locally. Other needed supplies include foodstuff, camping equipment, timber and bicycles.