EACC Halts Kilifi County’s Ksh.103M Tender Amid Scandal
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has ordered Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro to suspend the intended Ksh.103 million payment for the purchase of a county revenue management system.
In a letter to the Governor, the anti-corruption agency explains that it is conducting an investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities in the bidding process, and therefore the contract should be suspended.
“…pending conclusion of investigations, we advise that you suspend implementation of the contract and the payment of the sum of Kshs. 103, 797,361.70 purportedly being in respect of the purchase of the system. We further put you on notice that in the event of loss to the County Government, we shall hold every person involved personally responsible and take appropriate criminal and/or civil action,” reads the letter in part.
The preliminary findings of the anti-corruption organization indicate that the successful bidder, Aden Construction Company Ltd, lacks the required capacity and experience to manage and collect revenue.
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“In support of its bid, it (Aden Construction Company Ltd) annexed documents belonging to a third party, a firm by the name M/s Techbiz Limited. However, it is critical to note that Techbiz is not a party to the agreement and the competency of the successful bidder must be based on its own merit and not those of a third party,” notes the commission.
EACC argues further that there was no substantive negotiation on revenue sharing and that the agreed-upon percentage of 25% is excessive and unjustifiable.
“It is further noteworthy that the said Techbiz is currently providing similar service to the County Government of Mombasa and the agreed rate of sharing is only 5%,” adds the commission.
To facilitate investigations, EACC has requested that the Acting County Secretary provide the following documents: approved procurement plans for the fiscal year 2022/2023, the approved budget, a requisition for the aforementioned tender, an advertisement for the aforementioned tender, and a tender document template as uploaded to the IFMIS portal.
Others include bid documents submitted by all bidders, letters appointing tender opening and evaluation committees, tender opening attendance register and minutes, tender evaluation minutes/reports, professional opinion, regret letters to unsuccessful bidders, award notification, acceptance letter, form of agreement/contract, and any other information that may be relevant to the investigation.
EACC Halts Kilifi County’s Ksh.103M Tender Amid Scandal
