NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Treasury has transferred 27 procurement officers across various ministries and state departments in what it says is a bid to rationalise staffing and strengthen supply chain functions.
In a circular dated September 26, 2025, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo announced the changes, directing the officers to report to their new stations by September 30 after handing over in line with Public Service Commission guidelines.
Dr. Kiptoo said the reshuffle was informed by staffing gaps and requests from state departments.
“In order to rationalise human resource and to address the staffing gaps in the Supply Chain Management Functions, it has been agreed that the following deployment/transfers of the underlisted Supply Chain Management Officers be effected,” the circular reads in part.
Among those affected are senior officials in key dockets, including:
- Kennedy Kinoti Marangu, Assistant Director of Supply Chain Management in the Environment Ministry, moved to the State Department for Medical Services.
- Monica Chepkemoi, formerly at the National Police Service, redeployed to Afya House’s Medical Services department.
- Mary Kerubo Obae, transferred from the Health Ministry to the Basic Education Department.
- Patrick Munene, moved from the Industry Department to the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy.
Other redeployments touched on departments in shipping, maritime affairs, regional development, public health, and Cabinet Affairs.
The shake-up comes amid mounting concerns that procurement of goods and services by government agencies has stalled due to difficulties in migrating to the new presidential directive on e-Government Procurement (eGP).
Most ministries are yet to complete any purchases as the first quarter of the financial year draws to a close, with procurement officers citing inadequate training and lack of equipment to operate the digital system.
Despite the challenges, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has ruled out any reversal of the policy.
Appearing before Parliament last week, Mbadi defended the World Bank-backed platform, saying it had cabinet approval and complied with all statutory procurement provisions.
“The system was piloted in 12 procuring entities which comprise three ministries, three parastatals, three oversight bodies and three counties. The implementation of eGP will reduce costs, increase transparency and strengthen accountability in public procurement,” he told MPs.
The eGP system, a key part of President William Ruto’s anti-graft and efficiency agenda, is expected to eventually replace manual procurement across all government agencies.
