- On August 11, EACC wrote to the county requesting documents for investigations.
- EACC was investigating allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds and procurement irregularities at Kilifi County.
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The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has ordered Kilifi County to stop the planned payment of Sh103 million to allow for investigations.
EACC Regional Manager, upper Coast region, Ben Murei said, in a letter to Kilifi County, that they had issued a caution letter on August 11, 2023, against signing the agreement in favour of the successful bidder.
"As you are aware, the commission is investigating allegations of procurement irregularities at the County Government of Kilifi through tender for Proposal for Design, Supply, Implementation, Testing, Commissioning, Maintenance of an Integrated Revenue Collection Management System and Agency for Revenue Collection and Management tender," Murei said.
According to EACC, preliminary investigations indicate that the successful bidder, a construction company, allegedly did not have the requisite capacity and experience in undertaking revenue management and collection.
EACC said that the company, in support of its bid, allegedly annexed documents belonging to a third party.
EACC noted that the competency of a successful bidder must be based on its own merit and not those of a third party.
"More importantly, we note that there was no meaningful negotiation on revenue sharing and the agreed percentage of 25 per cent is exorbitant and unconscionable," Murei added.
Murei has directed the county government to suspend the implementation of the contract and any payment in relation to the tender.
"We further put you on notice that in the event of the loss to the county government, we shall hold each and every person involved personally responsible and take appropriate criminal and /or action."
On August 11, EACC wrote to the county requesting documents for investigations.
EACC was investigating allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds and procurement irregularities at Kilifi County.
"To facilitate investigations, kindly furnish us with original documents of approved procurement plans for the financial year 2022/2023, approved budget 2022/2023, and requisition for the tender," Murei noted.
EACC also wanted an advertisement for the tender, a blank tender document as uploaded in the IFMIS portal, Bid documents submitted by all the bidders, letters appointing tender opening and evaluation committees, tender opening attendance register and minutes, tender evaluation minutes/reports and professional opinion.
Others were regret letters to the unsuccessful bidders, award notification, acceptance letter, form of agreement/contract and any other information that may assist in the investigations.