UoN management sensitized on procurement amendments

Abstract

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has just concluded a sensitization workshop on the amendments to the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2005 and Regulations, 2006, targeting University managers.

The one-day workshop which was officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha, saw the Director General, Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA), Mr. J.O. Juma, highlight areas of importance on the changes that have been made to the Procurement Act. In his presentation, Mr. Juma noted that the Constitution directs procurement to be done within timelines. Since the youth, women and the physically challenged have limited security, they can now access finance through the various funds that been set up by the government and players in the private sector. As per the law, the procurement process should be fair and transparent. Payments to suppliers should be made in 30 days and unsuccessful tender applicants should receive a formal explanation as to why they did not win the tender.

On his part, Prof. Magoha appealed to all the managers not to lose sight of the reality that financial resources are limited, and despite which models adopted, the University must be careful to achieve value for money. Further, he noted that it was important to understand how Public Procuring entities are expected to implement the law generally and specifically the 30% percent preference and reservation for youth, women and the physically challenged.

Others who spoke during the workshop include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Peter Mbithi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Production and Extension, Prof. Lucy Irungu, Registrar Administration, Dr. Dismus Bulinda and Procurement Manager, Mr. Joseph Mokaya.