This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) released an audit report highlighting the underperformance of 12 counties in adhering to established rules and regulations for procurement entities countrywide.
The counties of Kilifi, West Pokot, Kitui, Kajiado, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa, Machakos, Tharaka Nithi, Marsabit, Siaya, Tana River, and Isiolo scored below the set standard due to numerous malpractices, including the employment of non-qualified procurement personnel and the use of restricted tender, which is considered illegal.
Chairperson of the PPRA, Andrew Musangi, stated that the counties failed to follow key procedures, leaving some risk areas open-ended, which he believed were due to corrupt practices.
Isiolo County government performed the worst, scoring 22.91 percent, indicating a clear disregard for the guidelines.
The PPRA has called upon investigating agencies to bring to book the heads involved in issuing illegal tenders to unqualified individuals, stating that the government is backing their efforts.
Other similarities among the non-compliant counties include the failure to apply evaluation criteria and the failure to present the successful bidder to the rest of the competitors.
Director General of the PPRA, Maurice Juma, added that the regions also engage in ignoring the time frame placed for signing contracts once a winner has been selected.
Narok County emerged as the top performer, scoring 80.3 percent in obeying the stipulated guidelines for procurement entities.
