Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi sorrounded by Bungoma youths on Thursday….Photo/IP

NAIROBI, Kenya (IP)

Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has warned that youths in Bungoma County are being exploited by brokers who use their names to secure government tenders meant for special groups, denying them constitutionally protected benefits.

In a statement, Wanyonyi said the 30% government procurement reservation for youths, women and persons with disabilities is being hijacked by middlemen who register businesses in the names of vulnerable groups but divert the bulk of the proceeds.

“Youths, women and PWDs must fully benefit from the 30% procurement opportunities meant for them,” Wanyonyi said. “Do not allow brokers to use your names for small gains while they take the real benefits.”

Kenya’s procurement law requires that at least 30% of government tenders be reserved for enterprises owned by youths, women and persons with disabilities under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities program.

The initiative is intended to promote economic inclusion and address unemployment and inequality.

However, leaders and activists have long raised concerns about so-called “briefcase contractors” who front for politically connected individuals or established firms, effectively locking out the intended beneficiaries.

In Kenya young people are being lured with small payments to register companies or lend their identification documents, only for brokers to execute contracts and pocket most of the funds.

“These opportunities are meant to uplift your lives and empower you. Let us protect them and ensure they serve their true purpose,” he said as he emphasized collective responsibility.

Bungoma County, like other devolved units in Kenya, allocates tenders annually across sectors including construction, supply of goods and services.

Youth unemployment remains a major challenge in the county  making access to procurement opportunities a critical economic lifeline.

Wanyonyi urged county authorities and oversight agencies to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with procurement rules and prevent exploitation of vulnerable groups.

He also called on young people to safeguard their business credentials and demand full transparency in tendering processes.

The MP said safeguarding the 30% reservation is essential to realizing its constitutional intent of empowering marginalized groups and promoting equitable development.