Enhancing the Implementation of Kenya’s AGPO Program: Insights from Implementing Agencies
Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) Program, launched in 2013 by the Government of Kenya, is an affirmative action programs designed to foster inclusivity and offer the marginalized an opportunity to participate in government procurement. The program requires procuring agencies to reserve 30% of their procurement budgets for enterprises owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities The objective of AGPO Program is to foster economic empowerment through employment creation, promotion of local industries and technology transfer. Despite the robust legal frameworks, AGPO program has consistently fallen short of its targets, with uptake rates below 17%. Research shows that the 17% uptake is not an accurate estimate. This paper is based on research carried out by the Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub in collaboration with the National Treasury and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority. The aim was to contribute towards enhanced implementation and increased uptake of AGPO to fully realize the envisioned objectives. This study examines implementation challenges and proposes actionable solutions from implementers. Methodology used was a mixed-method approach, comprising analysis of relevant legal frameworks in Kenya, government circulars, and reports, collection of primary data through semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, as well as consultations with high level policy makers drawn from 34 public Procuring Entities. Research carried out previously on AGPO shows that uptake remains low, ten years after. A shift from previous studies was deemed necessary with a focus on finding solutions from the program implementers. The program implementers and policy makers are key in ensuring adoption of proposed interventions for success of the program. This paper, therefore, examines the methodology adopted, key findings of the research and reflects on proposals shared by researchers and submitted to the National Treasury and PPRA.
