A damning report by Auditor General Edward Akol has uncovered widespread irregularities in government procurement processes, with 11 out of 78 assessed entities making unauthorized procurements worth a staggering 59.02 billion Shillings.
The report, which covers the financial year 2023/2024, reveals that these entities made 63 procurements that were not included in their procurement plans. Furthermore, five entities split 19 procurements worth 2.4 billion Shillings without adhering to the required criteria.
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Akol’s audit also found that eight entities irregularly initiated 21 procurements worth 42.79 billion Shillings, while 13 entities undertook 79 procurements worth 25.45 billion Shillings without obtaining market prices to support estimated values.
In a shocking revelation, Akol reported that 44 contracts worth 47.1 billion Shillings were signed with bidders without requiring them to provide performance security. These critical challenges in the e-government procurement system threaten the efficiency and transparency of the country’s procurement processes.
“The delayed rollout of the system has exposed us to technological obsolescence risks, whereby our technology may be outdated before it is fully deployed, potentially leading to escalating operational costs,” Akol warned.
The report is set to be tabled in parliament for scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committees, sparking concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
