Youth, Women and PWDs Secures Ksh 4 Billion from Kenya Power through AGPO initiative
Kenya Power has awarded tenders worth KShs.4.15 billion to business owned by youth, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the financial year ended June 30, 2024 with the aim of enhancing Knowledge, inclusivity, empowering through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) initiative and prompt payment for suppliers to strengthen their cash flow.
This figure marks a substantial increase compared to the KSh. 472 million awarded in the previous financial year, surpassing the company’s initial target of KSh. 1.2 billion for FY2023/2024 which had been set under AGPO.
Speaking on Tuesday at the event, Kenya Power General Manager for Supply Chain and Logistics Dr. John Ngeno attributed the impressive uptake of company’s deliberate effort to engage and educate the targeted group about procurement opportunities.
“During the last financial year, we sustained education forums for the special interest groups on how to participate in our procurement process. The uptake has been steady over the years owing to these engagements and we hope to sustain 100 percent absorption of our annual AGPO budget as more Kenyans become aware of these opportunities,” he said.
He noted that under the AGPO category, the Company awards tenders that are less technical areas including the supply of locally available materials and common use items, works and services and the provision of cleaning services, among others.
Additionally he noted that the Youth-owned businesses claimed the largest share of the total value of AGPO tenders accounting for KShs.3.8 billion. Women-owned businesses secured KSh. 324 million, while enterprises run by PWDs received KSh. 1.3 million.
“Through AGPO, we aim to foster inclusivity in our procurement processes. Going forward, our focus will be more on persons with disabilities and women. Through tailored engagements, we want to ensure that they participate actively in our procurement as is the case with the youth,” added Ngeno.
He reiterated that for the current financial year, Kenya Power aims to award KShs.11.6 billion worth of AGPO tenders to these special interest groups.
He added that the Company will continue to work collaboratively with financial institutions to provide linkages for financial support, enhancing the capacity of these groups to compete effectively in the procurement processes.
Kenya Power’s efforts underline the importance of economic empowerment through inclusive procurement practices, a crucial step in addressing inequalities and fostering growth for marginalized groups in Kenya.
