Fresh concerns have emerged from inside the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) after a whistleblower called for an independent investigation into alleged procurement irregularities, management decisions and the handling of public resources at the State corporation.

According to the whistleblower, the concerns centre on REREC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rose Mkalama, whose first contract reportedly expired in June 2026 and who is allegedly seeking reappointment for a second term.

The complainant claims that several procurement processes involving supplies and contractors deserve closer scrutiny, alleging that some tenders may have been awarded irregularly and that certain beneficiaries are allegedly linked to politically connected individuals.

The whistleblower argues that procurement within a State corporation funded by taxpayers must be transparent, competitive and capable of withstanding independent public scrutiny.

The complaint further alleges that there is an ongoing public matter involving the reported loss or possible misappropriation of approximately KSh 1.2 billion, which the whistleblower says is already before the courts or under public scrutiny. The complainant is calling on investigators and journalists to examine court records, audit reports and official documents relating to the matter to establish the facts.

Additional concerns have also been raised regarding previous procurement controversies involving Dr. Mkalama and former REREC Chief Executive Officer Peter Mbugua Ng'ang'a. According to the whistleblower, there are allegations that earlier disciplinary processes did not fully address accountability and that some individuals allegedly took responsibility while others remained in office or later returned to influential positions. The complainant says these claims deserve fresh and independent examination.

The whistleblower further alleges that some employees who questioned decisions or attempted to raise concerns internally have faced intimidation or threats, creating fear among staff and discouraging others from speaking openly.

The complaint goes on to allege that senior officials have claimed to enjoy protection or influence through individuals associated with investigative and oversight agencies, including the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC). The complainant says these are serious allegations that require objective investigation rather than speculation.

The whistleblower has also pointed to Dr. Mkalama's reported appearance on KTN News' Udukuzi programme discussing chief executives who had received show cause letters over alleged non compliance with government directives, arguing that the issues raised publicly should be considered alongside the concerns now being raised from within the corporation.

The allegations come at a time when public institutions continue to face increased scrutiny over procurement and governance.

One comparable case involved the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), where procurement decisions became the subject of investigations by Parliament, the EACC and other agencies following allegations of irregular tender awards and misuse of public funds. The controversy sparked nationwide debate on accountability within State corporations and led to multiple investigations into procurement practices.

Another notable case involved the National Land Commission (NLC), where employees recently raised concerns over alleged irregular recruitment processes, workplace management and decisions affecting staff welfare. Workers appealed to Parliament, the Ministry of Labour and the EACC to investigate the institution's leadership and human resource practices, arguing that transparency and accountability had been undermined.

A similar governance dispute has also unfolded at the Nairobi City County Public Service Board, where whistleblowers alleged that recruitment and promotion processes were influenced by corruption rather than merit. The allegations prompted calls for investigations by the EACC and other oversight agencies into claims that public appointments were allegedly being influenced through illegal payments. Those claims remain matters requiring investigation.

Public procurement has repeatedly been identified by the Office of the Auditor General and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority as one of the highest risk areas for loss of public funds in Kenya. Oversight bodies have consistently emphasised that State corporations must conduct procurement in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act to protect taxpayers' money and maintain public confidence.

The whistleblower is now calling on the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Auditor General, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, the National Assembly Committee on Energy, and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to independently examine the procurement processes, pending cases, financial management and governance issues raised within REREC.

Below is part of the complaint received.

"We believe public institutions must remain accountable. There are serious questions about procurement, pending public cases, staff intimidation and the management of public resources at REREC. We ask the relevant authorities to investigate these matters thoroughly and establish the truth. The concerns involve the current CEO, Dr. Rose Mkalama, whose first contract reportedly ended in June 2026 and who is allegedly seeking a second term in office.

There are allegations that procurement tenders for supplies and contractors have been irregularly awarded, including claims that some contracts have been linked to individuals with political connections. These claims require independent investigation and verification.

It is also alleged that there is a pending public case involving the loss or possible misappropriation of approximately KSh 1.2 billion. Since this matter is reportedly already in the public domain, relevant court records, investigative reports, and official documents may be available for verification.

Further concerns relate to previous procurement and tender irregularities involving Dr. Mkalama and former REREC CEO Mr. Ng’ang’a. There are claims that, following earlier disciplinary action, certain individuals connected to the matter were sacrificed or held responsible while others retained or regained their positions. These allegations should also be independently examined."