Kabogo said that all tenders in Kiambu County are done by 98pc of residents from the county/CFM NEWS
Speaking during the launch of AGPO Sensitisation Campaign in Kiambu County, he said that in the last financial year, his County Government gave out only 17.5pc rather than the mandatory 30pc worth of tenders to the special interest groups. He said that this is because the relevant interest groups did not apply for these tenders.
“The people with disabilities especially are shy to even visit our offices. They can’t get these tenders unless they come to the offices,” he noted.
Kabogo said that all tenders in Kiambu County are done by 98pc of residents from the county. “We want these groups to partner with experienced people and apply for all tenders, including road construction,” he added.
He called on the youth to take advantage of such initiatives urging them to be patient and do business the right way. He noted that some youth win tenders only to sell to the experienced entrepreneurs at throw away prices.
“We have no problem if you sell the tender to established entrepreneurs but you can you learn the art while at it?” he pleaded.
Speaking at the same forum, Minister for Youth affairs Machel Waikenda noted that the lack of finances to establish businesses coupled with cut throat competition from rich companies are some of the main undoing for the youth in Kenya.
Waikenda challenged county governments to make available 30 percent of contracts to the youth, women and persons with disability without competition as directed by the President.
“The main aim of Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) is to raise awareness and encourage youth, women and persons with disabilities on to register their owned enterprises to get government tenders under the 30pc. Since its inception, uptake has been low in terms of entities registering for AGPO,” he mentioned.
Nominated MP, Isaac Mwaura raised concern over the delayed payments to suppliers saying that it was hurting business start-ups especially.
“The government should allocate enough funds to development so that money is availed in time as this will see the youth enjoy doing business with the government entities,” he said.
Individuals and groups that aim at benefiting from preference and reservations schemes, an enterprise owned by youth, women or persons with disabilities shall be a legal entity that is registered with the relevant government body and has at least 70 percent membership of youth, women or persons with disabilities and the leadership shall be 100 percent youth, women and persons with disability.
About The Author
