Kenya has launched an online system for submitting and evaluating procurement applications in a bid to become more efficient and eliminate corruption.

Subsequently, government procurement is expected to move away from a manual system and embrace the digital, in a plan to do away with long queues and processes that take time.

As part of the ‘Integrated Financial Management Information System’ (IFMIS) under the national treasury, the system is intended to give applicants clear instructions and guidelines on how to apply for procurement from government. The system is expected to reduce government spending by having a level playing field for all.

“Over the years, we have heard complaints from Kenyans that the government is being over-charged for goods and services that it purchases. By introducing transparency and accountability through e-procurement, we expect to eliminate the abuse of our procurement system,” president Uhuru Kenyatta said during the launch of the system in Nairobi.

“This will make Kenya a more attractive destination for investment. Indeed, we take great pride in being the first African country to automate end-to-end procurement and payment processes in a devolved government system,” the president added.

In addition to the online system, the president said that the National Treasury is in the process of putting up a digital payment solution that will accept payments to the government, increasing transparency.