(Submitted under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010)

TO:

1. The Speaker, National Assembly of Kenya
2. The Speaker, Senate of Kenya
3. The Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury & Economic Planning
4. The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Investments & Industry
5.  The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & The Arts
6.  All County Governors & County Assemblies

 

FROM:

Mwambire Zawadi John, on behalf of the citizens of Kenya

DATE:

21st March 2025

SUBJECT: PETITION TO REQUIRE A MINIMUM 60% CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT TENDERS AT BOTH NATIONAL AND COUNTY LEVELS

We, the undersigned citizens of Kenya, exercising our constitutional right under Articles 1, 10, 27, 37, 43, and 227 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, do hereby petition the Government of Kenya to amend procurement policies and ensure that:

1. Mandatory 60% Local Citizen Participation

Any government tender, whether at the national or county level, must allocate at least 60% of the total contract value to local citizens from the area where the project is being implemented.

The remaining 40% can be allocated to external investors, companies, or groups.

2. Empowerment of Local Communities

This policy will create economic opportunities for youths, women, and local businesses, allowing them to invest, grow, and uplift their living standards.

It will reduce unemployment by ensuring that local skilled and unskilled labor is utilized.

 

3. Boosting Revenue Collection & Economic Growth

Increased local participation will lead to more business registrations and tax compliance, ensuring that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) meets its revenue targets.

Banks and financial institutions will benefit from increased lending to local entrepreneurs.

The circulation of money within communities will boost local economies and strengthen county revenue collection.

 

4. Promotion of Fair Competition & Inclusivity

This petition seeks to prevent monopolization of government tenders by a few well-connected companies.

The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 should be amended to prioritize local bidders before external companies are considered.

 

5. Compliance & Implementation Mechanism

The Government should establish a monitoring unit to enforce compliance and ensure that at least 60% of project funds remain in the hands of local community members.

Public participation forums should be conducted before awarding contracts to ensure local stakeholders are involved.

 

PRAYER

We, the undersigned, urge the Government of Kenya to:

1. Amend procurement laws to require that 60% of all public tenders are given to local citizens from the project area.

2. Establish policies that promote youth and women-led enterprises in government contracts.

3. Enhance accountability and transparency to prevent external contractors from sidelining local businesses.

 

This petition is presented in accordance with Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to present petitions to public authorities.

We humbly request Parliament, County Assemblies, and all relevant government bodies to prioritize this matter for the economic empowerment of Kenyan citizens.

SIGNED:

Mwambire Zawadi John
On behalf of the citizens of Kenya