Discussion Paper No. 62 of 2006 on Public Sector Procurement in Kenya: The Need for a Coherent Policy Framework

Abstract

Persistent controversies in Kenya's public procurement and the resultant negative impacts on efficient public service delivery can be explained, in part, by weak enforcement of the existing legislation. A coherent public procurement policy can complement and broaden the scope of continuing legislative reforms to make government acquisition more predictable and less problematic. The basis for undertaking this study is the need to develop a sound policy framework outlining objectives of government procurement as well as channels through which public purchasing is expected to promote fairness, transparency, accountability and value for money (VFM), together with stability in the macroeconomic environment, efficiency in infrastructure and service delivery, increased productivity in all sectors, faster industrialization and deeper regional integration.