January 19, 2025

Summary

It was alleged that these Meru County officials were involved in procurement irregularities and the acquisition of computers and printers.

More by Correspondent

Meru County Assembly Ksh15 million corruption allegations

Meru County Assembly Ksh15 million corruption allegations

Inquiry into allegations of procurement irregularities against the Meru County Assembly in the procurement of computers and related accessories in the 2013/2014 financial year at a Cost of KSh.15,097,375.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) commenced investigation following the receipt of a complaint on 13 December 2024 concerning several allegations of corruption against officials of the Meru County Assembly. It was alleged that these Meru County officials were involved in procurement irregularities and the acquisition of computers and printers which were subsequently awarded to Eduna East Africa Limited (EEA) in 2013/2014.

Purchase of computers and IT equipment

Investigation established that the Meru County Assembly had a budget allocation of KSh.15,097,375 for the purchase of computers, accessories, and other IT equipment. However, the annual procurement plan was prepared eight months after the beginning of the 2013/2014 financial year.

Investigation established that EEA was issued with a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for tender no. MCA/ONT/009/2013-2014, yet it was not in the pre-qualified list of suppliers. The clerk of the County Assembly further appointed the same members who participated in the tender opening, evaluation, award, negotiation, inspection, and acceptance committee meetings, in violation of the requirements of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2005.

Tender awarded despite not being the lowest evaluated bidder

Investigation established that EEA was awarded the tender despite not being the lowest evaluated bidder. The company was also requested to supply additional computer accessories that were not included in the RFQ. In addition, the accounting officer failed to ensure that the procurement plan was in place, that letters to successful and unsuccessful bidders had been issued, and that accounting procedures were followed while processing the payments to various suppliers.

Investigation established that the head of procurement and a procurement assistant failed to ensure that the RFQs were only issued to pre-qualified suppliers, and that the procurement was done as per the threshold matrix. Investigation also established that the principal accountant authorised payments as an Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE) holder without being formally appointed to the position. The principal finance officer authorised payments without ensuring that the AIE holder had signed all the payment vouchers.

Meru County Assembly officer awarded tender

Investigation further established that a senior public communications officer at Meru County Assembly participated in a procurement proceeding where her company was awarded a tender for a contract sum of KSh.675,000.

On 26 August 2024 a report was compiled and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with recommendations to charge the clerk of Meru County Assembly, the principal accountant, the principal finance officer, the senior public communications officer, the head of procurement, the procurement assistant, and the store keeper of the Meru County Assembly as follows: –

(i) 1 count of conspiracy to commit an economic crime in violation of section 47A as defined by section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No.3 of 2003.

(ii) 1 count of wilful failure to comply with applicable procedures and guidelines relating to procurement of goods in violation of section 45 (2) (b) as defined by section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No.3 of 2003.

(iii) 1 count of conflict-of-interest in violation of section 42 (3) as defined by section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003.

(iv) 1 count of unlawful acquisition of public property in violation of section 45 (1) (a) as defined by section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, No. 3 of 2003.

The DPP’s response is awaited.

Primary source: The Kenya Gazette

TAGS

Related Articles