President Uhuru Kenyatta. CC image courtesy of Uhuru Kenyatta, on Flickr.
Kenya’s government is to launch a digital payment system targeted at promoting accountability for payments within government departments, as well as for payment of government suppliers.
Speaking at the launch of the National Treasury’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and e-procurement initiative, president Uhuru Kenyatta said the new payment system will enhance prudence and excellence in the handling of public finances.
“We must agree the system is not only for government and suppliers, the general public must be equally informed. We must know who won the tender, for how much and when will it be delivered,” said Kenyatta.
Kenyatta said the payment system, IFMIS and the e-procurement portal should be up and running all the time and without disruption to ensure smooth delivery.
Deputy president William Ruto said the initiative will go a long way in eliminating gatekeepers, middlemen and brokers who have made procurement in Kenya difficult.
