President William Ruto has reaffirmed plans to make e-procurement the standard system for government purchases, aiming to curb corruption and reduce unnecessary costs.

Speaking at Umma University on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Ruto highlighted the need for integrity in financial management across all government operations. He said the current procurement system has allowed theft and corruption to thrive, turning public procurement into a business for profiteers rather than a service to citizens.

“This is why we are changing our procurement mechanism so that we stop theft and corruption that has pervaded our procurement and made it an enterprise for making money and not providing services,” he said.

Ruto explained that e-procurement would help cut government expenses significantly.

“I have made myself very clear that e-procurement is going to cut our costs by up to 40 per cent so that if, for example, a pencil costs 5 shillings, the government does not pay 15 shillings. It pays 5 shillings. That is what it is,” he noted.

Ruto said the government has already engaged with other administrations to learn best practices and address challenges in implementing the system nationwide.

“I have discussed this with many governments. There are problems we are working on to ensure the e-procurement becomes the default procurement mechanism for the government of Kenya,” he said.

He acknowledged that some individuals and entities who profit from the current system might resist the changes, but stressed that the government would remain firm.

“We know there is resistance by brokers, agents, and many other profiteering entities, but we are going to stand up to them because it is our responsibility to protect public resources,” he added.

The move is part of a broader push by the administration to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government spending. With this step, the government aims to ensure that taxpayer money is spent responsibly and that all procurement processes are fair, efficient, and resistant to corruption.