Egerton University recently conducted a training session on the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (PPAD) Act of 2015 in collaboration with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). The event, held from 6 to 8 September 2023 at the Main Campus in Njoro, brought together participants from various university units.
The training session commenced with an opening address by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, highlighting the university's unwavering commitment to upholding principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all procurement processes. He expressed confidence that the training would equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricate landscape of public procurement successfully.
Key insights from Prof. Kibwage's address included the importance of having an approved budget and plan before initiating procurement requests and maintaining transparency throughout the procurement process. He also emphasized the need for user departments to engage in consultations before submitting procurement specifications, aligning the university with best practices in procurement.
The training, expertly facilitated by Mr Abednego Oundo and Mr David Odhiambo from PPRA, covered a wide array of topics, including an overview of Executive Order No. 2 of 2018, the PPAD Act of 2015, and PPAD Regulations of 2020. It delved into developing fair, transparent, and competitive procurement specifications, conducting effective and efficient evaluation processes, and the procurement of consultancy services, among other essential areas.
In his closing remarks, the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Planning, and Development), Prof. Richard Mulwa, commended the successful training session and advocated for its regularity to benefit a broader spectrum of staff members. He emphasized the paramount importance of achieving value for money during the procurement process and urged users to provide precise specifications. Prof. Mulwa also urged the Procurement Department to be more facilitative to users and adhere strictly to procurement laws and regulations. He acknowledged feedback from participants, particularly Dr Flora Fedha, the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Community Development Studies, who emphasized the need for more targeted training sessions between the Procurement Department and users to address challenges effectively.
