By Mohamed Siyad - Reporter
June 13, 2026 - The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has concluded a three-day training workshop at the Grand Oasis Hotel in Wajir, bringing together key stakeholders from across the public sector to deepen their understanding of procurement laws and best practices.
The workshop, which ran from June 10 to June 12, 2026, attracted a diverse range of participants including school principals, heads of departments, board chairpersons, bursars, and clerks from various institutions across Wajir County.
The gathering represented a deliberate effort by the PPRA to decentralise capacity-building initiatives and ensure that public procurement knowledge reaches institutions in historically underserved regions of the country.
The training focused on strengthening participants' understanding of public procurement laws, regulations, and best practices as outlined in the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, and its subsequent amendments.
Facilitators took attendees through the legal framework governing procurement processes, emphasising the principles of fairness, equity, transparency, competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness that underpin Kenya's public procurement system.
Beyond the technical aspects of procurement law, the workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and peer learning. Participants engaged in lively discussions about common challenges they face in their respective institutions, from navigating complex tendering processes to managing supplier relationships and ensuring value for money in every transaction.
The exchange of experiences among stakeholders from different backgrounds created a rich learning environment that extended well beyond the formal curriculum.
The programme also reinforced the principles of accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public service delivery, values that have become increasingly critical as Kenya intensifies its fight against corruption and wasteful spending in government institutions.
With public procurement accounting for a significant portion of the national budget, the PPRA has recognised that building capacity at the grassroots level is essential to safeguarding public resources.
The workshop included interactive sessions, group discussions, and case studies that allowed participants to delve deeper into the nuances of public procurement. Expert facilitators guided attendees through real-world scenarios, examining common pitfalls in procurement processes and exploring strategies for maintaining integrity when under pressure.
These practical exercises ensured that participants were equipped not merely with theoretical knowledge but with actionable tools and strategies they could implement in their respective roles immediately upon returning to their institutions.
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One of the standout features of the training was its emphasis on ethical decision-making in procurement. Facilitators challenged participants to consider the broader implications of their choices, reminding them that procurement officers hold a public trust that extends beyond their individual institutions to the taxpayers who ultimately fund every purchase.
This focus on ethics resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom operate in environments where political and social pressures can sometimes complicate straightforward procurement decisions.
Additionally, the gathering fostered networking opportunities among the stakeholders, encouraging collaboration and mutual support in navigating procurement challenges. Participants exchanged contact information and discussed the possibility of forming informal peer-support networks that would allow them to consult one another when facing difficult procurement situations in the future.
The PPRA has indicated that it welcomes such initiatives and may explore formalising peer-learning structures in future programming.
The training also addressed emerging issues in public procurement, including the increasing use of electronic procurement platforms and the integration of climate considerations into purchasing decisions.
As Kenya moves toward greener public spending, the PPRA is working to ensure that procurement officers at all levels understand how to evaluate environmental impact alongside cost and quality when making purchasing decisions.
Feedback from participants indicated a overwhelmingly positive response, with many highlighting the workshop's relevance and direct applicability to their everyday responsibilities.
Several attendees noted that the case-study approach was particularly valuable, as it allowed them to work through realistic scenarios in a supportive environment before encountering similar situations in their professional lives.
Officials from the PPRA said the authority remains committed to building capacity and supporting institutions in achieving compliant and effective procurement systems. They indicated that similar workshops are planned for other counties in the coming months, as part of a broader strategy to professionalise public procurement across all levels of government.
The Wajir workshop forms part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen governance, reduce corruption vulnerabilities, and ensure that every shilling of public money delivers maximum value to Kenyan citizens. By investing in the knowledge and skills of procurement officers in even the most remote corners of the country, the PPRA is working to create a culture of integrity that will benefit generations to come.