End shady tenders, President Kenyatta tells Cabinet

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday ordered ministries to stop awarding tenders in unclear circumstances.

He warned that Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and chief executives of parastatals under whose watch tenders are issued without following due process will face the law.

Mr Kenyatta ordered all sections of government to adopt the e-procurement platform through which the public can ascertain if the rules have been adhered to before a contract is awarded.

The President who spoke at State House, Nairobi said there are no sacred cows in his government. He said anyone who does not abide by the law would be held personally responsible.

He said the days when senior public officers viewed their offices as avenues for personal benefit are long gone.

“We have made it clear to them that we expect the e-procurement platform to be set up in the shortest time possible.

“Kenyans will assess whether a tender was done transparently and correctly, who was awarded and why and who the other competitors are,” he said.

Mr Kenyatta said the government would also hold anti-corruption agencies accountable.

The statement comes during a week in which several suspects have been taken to court in connection with the Anglo Leasing scandal.

The President said favouritism and interference in how State business is conducted has no place in the Jubilee administration.

“There is no sacred cow in this government, none, including myself. I have no right to call a CS, PS or a chief executive to tell them to award a contract to a particular individual. There is a process, to follow,” he said.

The President said those entrusted with public funds would be held accountable.