The Urgent Need for Decentralised Procurement
The current system of procurement in county governments is flawed and in dire need of reform. A powerful elite, often far removed from the communities they claim to serve, has taken control of the process. This centralised model has led to widespread corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. It's time for a radical shift that places power back into the hands of the people.
Why Centralised Procurement Fails
Development projects, whether it's a new road, clinic, or school, are all rooted in local communities. Yet, the procurement process for these projects is often handled in distant offices, far from where the work actually takes place. This disconnect creates a breeding ground for corruption. Contracts are inflated, ghost projects are created, and funds disappear without a trace. The public, who should be the beneficiaries, are left in the dark, with little to no involvement in decision-making.
This system is not only inefficient but also secretive. Without public oversight, there's no real mechanism to ensure that money is spent wisely or that projects are completed to standard. The result is a cycle of unfinished structures and broken promises that do little to improve the lives of those in need.
The Power of Community Ownership
To combat this, the focus must shift to community ownership. Imagine a system where no contractor is paid until the local residents confirm that the work is complete and meets the agreed-upon standards. Residents, local leaders, and community representatives would inspect every project before any payment is made. This approach ensures that public funds are used effectively and that the community has a direct stake in the success of development initiatives.
Community ownership goes beyond transparency; it fosters a sense of responsibility and pride. When people know a project is theirs, they become its guardians. They push for completion, demand quality, and hold those in charge accountable. This is the kind of engagement that can transform the way development is delivered at the local level.
The Call for Legislative Action
To make this vision a reality, legislative action is essential. The Senate must pass a law that dismantles the central control of county spending entities and returns power to the people. This law should mandate that procurement be handled at the ward level, where the projects will be implemented. It should also give the public a binding role in approving payments, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.
Opponents may argue that decentralisation will slow things down, but this is a false narrative. Centralisation has not accelerated progress; instead, it has created layers of bureaucracy that hide corruption and delay real change. Public procurement is the largest pipeline of government funds, and when controlled by a few, it becomes a feeding trough for the corrupt. However, when the community oversees it, it becomes a tool for meaningful transformation.
A Fight for Accountability and Fairness
This is not just about changing procedures; it's a fight for accountability and fairness. It's a call to ensure that development is not just a promise made in the County Assembly but a tangible reality that people can experience in their daily lives. It's about creating roads that people can walk on, clinics they can visit, and schools where their children can learn.
The fortress of secrecy surrounding procurement must be brought down. Procurement must return to the people. Ward-level procurement, anchored in law and guarded by public representatives, is not a radical dream—it is the only way to ensure that every coin meant for development does what it is meant to do: transform lives.
Conclusion
Billy Mijungu, a governance and public policy advocate focused on transparency, community empowerment, and fighting corruption in local government systems, believes that the path forward lies in decentralising procurement and involving the public in the process. By doing so, communities can reclaim their power, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that development truly serves those who need it most.