More than 100 suppliers and contractors from Western Kenya gathered on 5^th March, 2026 for a sensitisation forum aimed at strengthening participation in the national Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system.

The regional training brought together participants from Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, Busia, Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties, providing a platform for suppliers to gain practical knowledge on how to access and compete for government tenders through the digital procurement platform.

Facilitated by experts from the National Treasury, the forum focused on equipping suppliers with the technical skills and understanding required to effectively use the e-GP system. The training forms part of the national government’s broader reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability in public procurement.

Participants were guided through the step-by-step process of registering on the e-GP platform, including the key documentation required to successfully complete registration. Facilitators also demonstrated how suppliers can navigate the system, submit bids electronically and track procurement opportunities within government institutions.

Speaking during the training, Dr. Nurwin Fozia, Head of Procurement at Kaimosi Friends University, emphasised the importance of embracing digital procurement systems to enhance transparency and fairness in public procurement.

“The introduction of the e-GP system is a transformative step for public procurement in Kenya. It promotes transparency, reduces paperwork and creates equal opportunities for suppliers across the country to compete fairly for government tenders,” said Dr. Fozia.

She noted that capacity-building forums such as the sensitisation programme are essential in helping suppliers understand the system and remain competitive in the evolving digital procurement environment.

“Our goal is to ensure that suppliers are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills required to participate effectively in government procurement processes. When suppliers understand how the system works, they are better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities available,” she added.

During the training, suppliers were also taken through the process of reviewing tender outcomes and understanding evaluation feedback, including how to determine why certain bids may not have been successful and how to improve future submissions.

The forum provided an interactive platform for participants to engage directly with procurement experts, ask questions and share their experiences regarding the challenges encountered during the bidding process.

One of the participating suppliers, David Wanjala from Bungoma County, described the training as an eye-opening experience that helped simplify the digital procurement process.

“Many suppliers struggle with the technical aspects of online bidding, but this training has helped us understand the process step by step. I now feel more confident about registering on the e-GP system and submitting bids electronically,” he said.

The training was hosted at Kaimosi Friends University, which continues to position itself as a hub for knowledge exchange and capacity building in the Western region. Through such initiatives, the university supports government reforms aimed at improving efficiency, fairness and accessibility in Kenya’s public procurement system.