SHELMA SIBANDA
Secretary and CEO of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Examination Board (KISEB), Dr Fred Ongisa has urged embracement and implementation of e-Government Procurement (eGP) in public procurement citing many benefits it brings.
Speaking at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ)’s third annual public procurement symposium held in Bulawayo from 30 July to 31 July, Dr Ongisa emphasised the importance of digital transformation and e-government procurement in revolutionising traditional procurement processes.
He highlighted the advantages of implementing e-procurement systems, stating, “E-procurement systems are revolutionising how governments manage procurement, making it more transparent, efficient, and accountable. Implementing e-Government Procurement (e-GP) involves deploying web applications to secure and improve the efficiency and transparency of public procurement from planning to contract management.”
Dr Ongisa provided examples from various African countries that have successfully implemented e-GP systems. He highlighted Rwanda’s partnership with Korea to develop a customized version of the Korean e-GP KONEPS, which resulted in improved public procurement transparency and efficiency.
He also mentioned Tunisia’s successful implementation of TUNEPS, a customized version of KONEPS. Additionally, Dr Ongisa discussed the e-GP projects undertaken in Mauritius and Ivory Coast, showcasing the potential benefits of digital transformation in public procurement.
Another crucial trend highlighted by Dr Ongisa was the greater use of data analytics in public procurement. He emphasized how data analytics can improve decision-making, enhance efficiency, and reduce risks.
Dr Ongisa stated, “Data analytics provides data-driven insights into spending patterns, supplier performance, and market trends, facilitating informed decisions. It also helps optimize procurement processes by identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies, leading to process improvements.”
To illustrate the benefits of data analytics, Dr Ongisa provided an example of how spend analysis can identify opportunities for cost savings, such as bulk purchasing or renegotiating contracts with suppliers.
He also emphasised the role of data analytics in promoting transparency and accountability in procurement.
He stated, “Real-time monitoring systems tracking activities and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations can enhance transparency and accountability. Data analytics can also aid in fraud detection and prevention.”
Sustainable and green procurement was another significant aspect highlighted by Dr. Ongisa. He stressed the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations into procurement processes, promoting sustainable development goals.
