This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is embroiled in a Ksh.2.7 billion tender scandal that has put top managers on the spot with imminent arrests looming.
On November 13, 2019, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed receipt of three files from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) related to the scandal.
The files pertain to the Makongeni Goodshed Project, construction of concrete barriers, and the revitalization of the Kisumu port.
According to the DCI, KPA Managing Director Daniel Manduku allegedly authorized irregular expenditure totaling Ksh.2.7 billion for the three projects.
Mr. Manduku faces a total of 30 counts of corruption and abuse of offices charges in all the three projects.
Other officials implicated in the scandal include KPA General Manager in charge of Operations William Rutto, Senior Works Officer Anthony Muhanji, Works Officer Juma Chigulu, and Principal Works Officer Bernard Nyobange.
The officials are accused of colluding to divide a 2100 square meters yard belonging to Kenya Railways into 9 zones and awarding 8 contractors the concrete works.
The split was deemed unprocedural, with the aim of avoiding an open and competitive tendering process, which is believed to have cost the taxpayer Ksh.506 million.
However, in a rebuttal, KPA claimed it legally acquired the land from Kenya Railways Corporation and the facility was gazetted as a port.
The authority further stated that procurement procedures were adhered to and the project was initiated by the relevant consumer departments according to laid down procedures.
