Ledama Ole Kina Warns Ruto of Legal Fallout Over E-Procurement Directive

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has cautioned President William Ruto that his directive compelling counties to adopt the e-procurement system risks plunging the government into legal battles and undermining devolution.

In a strongly worded statement on his official X account on Monday, September 1, the senator acknowledged the president’s intentions but insisted that imposing the system on devolved units oversteps the constitutional limits of the national government.

“With the utmost respect, Mr. President, county governments are constitutionally semi-autonomous. Article 219 clearly mandates that counties receive their equitable share of revenue without undue delay and without deduction,” Ledama said. “While the intent behind the e-procurement directive is understood, imposing it on counties exceeds the powers granted to the national government by the Constitution.”

Ledama warned that the directive would force counties into costly court cases, draining resources and stalling development projects. He backed the Council of Governors (CoG) in resisting the order, arguing that counties have every right to defend their autonomy and insist on proper consultation.

“The Council of Governors is right to firmly defend county autonomy and call for mutual respect and proper consultation in line with the law,” he added. “Respectfully, all levels of government must honour their constitutional limits to preserve Kenya’s unity and progress.”

President Ruto, however, has defended the move, framing it as a cornerstone of his anti-graft and transparency agenda. Speaking in Siaya on Sunday, August 31, he accused those opposing e-procurement reforms of shielding entrenched corruption.

“On e-procurement, there are a lot of people who are used to mischievous conduct when it comes to procurement. We have said that we will have e-procurement so that we can know how much something was bought for and is being sold at,” Ruto declared.

The clash signals a brewing confrontation between the national government and county leadership, one that could test the boundaries of Kenya’s devolved system as the 2027 political season edges closer.