The Principal Secretary for Public Investments and Asset Management, Cyrill Odede, has called on youth across Migori County to register their Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Saccos) and businesses on the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system to access lucrative state contracts.
Speaking during the official launch of the Migori County Young Professionals (MCYP) group at the Migori Teachers Training College (TTC), PS Odede noted that formal registration is the only gateway to accessing both national and county government tenders.
The e-GP system is designed to streamline procurement by reducing bureaucracy, curbing corruption, and ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized groups. Under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) policy, 30 percent of all public procurement contracts are legally reserved for youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“In every state department and government agency, 30 percent of procurement is set aside for youth, women, and PWDs,” PS Odede told the gathering of graduates and young professionals. “However, to benefit from this, you must officially register your entities on the e-GP platform.”
The PS expressed concern over the low level of awareness among young people regarding procurement procedures. He noted that many youths often approach political leaders for help in securing tenders without understanding the digitized systems now in place.
“Whenever I visit, I hear youth asking for tenders, yet most have not registered on the e-GP system. Please do not follow anyone promising you contracts until you have officially registered on the platform,” he advised, urging the MCYP members to act as ambassadors and share this information with their peers.
Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara, who accompanied the PS, noted that a lack of information has historically locked local youth out of national opportunities.
Felix Odhiambo, Chairman, Migori County Young Professionals, identified a lack of awareness as the primary hurdle facing youth in the region.
