Kenya cannot afford to spend Sh911.1 million training school procurement officials and still be unable to demonstrate value for money.
The Auditor General’s findings on the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) expose a troubling disconnect between public spending and measurable results.
Of the country’s 290 constituencies, only 34 benefited from the programme during the year ended June 2025.
The remaining 256 were left out, despite the initiative’s aim of strengthening compliance with procurement laws in public schools.
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu says the programme’s effectiveness and value for money could not be confirmed.
A total of 9,136 stakeholders were trained at an average cost of about Sh99,713 per participant. Yet the impact of this substantial investment remains unproven.
At a time when schools face competing demands for teaching materials, infrastructure and essential services, taxpayers deserve more than expenditure figures and attendance registers. They deserve evidence of results.
PPRA must explain how the money was spent, why coverage was so limited and how the excluded constituencies will benefit. The National Treasury must demand answers and ensure future training programmes have clear targets and measurable outcomes.
Kenya does not lack regulations. The challenge is enforcing them. Training officials is worthwhile only if it improves compliance and protects public funds.
Spending public money is not an achievement in itself. Delivering results is. Nearly Sh1 billion demands accountability, not unanswered questions.
Quote of the day:“Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.” —British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was born on October 13, 1925
