Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has urged the national government to stop forcing counties to adopt the e-procurement system.
The system, he argued, is overly complicated and designed to frustrate the devolved units. He claimed the proponents of the EPG system are using the technology to siphon funds.
"We have e-Citizen, through which Kenyans are losing a lot of money stolen by some individuals and e-procurement is yet another technology for the theft of public funds," Natembeya said.
He further alleged that the government has introduced numerous systems and policies that facilitate corruption and the theft of public resources, saying the speed and style with which the government is forcing e-procurement indicates selfish financial interests by individuals.
"Soon we will be told that someone who owns the system was paid billions of shillings."
Natembeya added that devolution is on its deathbed due to deliberate government efforts to undermine county operations through unworkable policies and the withholding of funds.
"As we speak, county workers have not been paid salaries for the last two months, and many county activities have stalled, yet they want to force unworkable systems on us," the governor said.
He asked the national government to respect the independence of counties as clearly outlined in the constitution.
"We have two levels of government and counties are independent. No one will force things like e-procurement down our throats as if we are a government department."
He spoke on Tuesday at Cherang'any Hills Secondary School in Sinyereri ward during the funeral service of the late Tabitha Okwach.
The governor also criticised the Social Health Authority, calling it the "biggest scam."
He promised that after the 2027 election, his administration would issue "a number one Executive order to revoke SHA, EPG and all other unpopular decisions pushed down the throats of Kenyans".
The governor was accompanied by Knut county executive secretary George Simiyu, director of communications Felix Sialo, chief of staff Dickson Wamocho and his personal assistant Emmanuel Wamalwa, among other national and county government officials, as well as church and professional leaders.
