Panic as EACC Summons Nakuru County Officials Over Procurement Scandal

The Nakuru County government is in turmoil as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) zeroes in on a potential procurement scandal that has sent shockwaves through the region.

Allegations of gross irregularities in purchasing sports kits and equipment during the 2023/2024 financial year have prompted the EACC to summon key county officials for questioning.

As the investigation unfolds, concerns are mounting over-inflated costs, questionable contracts, and the fate of millions in taxpayer funds.

The community, left reeling from substandard supplies, demands answers as the county’s leadership faces a critical test of integrity.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned several Nakuru County government officials from the procurement department. The summons are in response to allegations of procurement irregularities in the tender process for sports kits and equipment during the 2023/2024 financial year.

In a letter dated August 1, 2024, EACC directed the officials to assist with investigations at the EACC Nakuru office on September 2, 2024. The officers summoned include:

• Abel Mungai
• Newton Karanja
• Catherine Macharia
• Ivy Kinyanjui
• Moses Bii
• Dominic Sigei
• Caroline Nuru
• Teresia Wanjiku
• Githaiga Macharia
• Edwin Okello
• Beth Wacuca
• Alex Maina
• Annmarie Kuria

Annmarie Kuria serves as the Director of Procurement, while Alex Maina is the Chief Officer in the Department of Youth Affairs. Maina, visibly concerned, is among those under scrutiny.

The EACC’s investigation centers on a questionable procurement process where a football, specifically a Mikasa brand, which should have cost Sh1,300, was allegedly purchased for Sh6,250. To support their inquiry, EACC has requested a wide range of documents, including:

• Approved budget and procurement plan for FY 2023/2024
• Procurement requisition
• Memo seeking approval for the advertisement
• Advertisement notice
• Standard tender document
• Original tender documents from bidders
• Appointment letters for the tender opening and evaluation committees
• Tender opening register, minutes, and attendance records
• Evaluation report and minutes
• Tender negotiation minutes
• Professional opinion
• Notification of award/regret letters
• Acceptance letter
• Contract agreement
• Local Purchase Order (LPO) or Local Service Order (LSO)

Additionally, the EACC seeks invoices, receipts, delivery notes, inspection reports, payment vouchers, and bank account details related to the tender. Officers M. Odogo, F. Mwobobia, M. Miloyo, or any other authorized commission officer will collect the required documents.

Local leaders are expressing their discontent. Robert Maeri, chairman of the community clubs, voiced frustration over the poor quality of kits and equipment.

He revealed that when they were summoned on July 19, 2024, to verify the sports equipment, they found that the samples presented were of much lower quality than what was originally proposed.

Furthermore, reports indicate that Sh250,000 was allocated for organizing ward tournaments and another Sh250,000 for the purchase of kits and equipment.

Football Kenya Federation Nakuru representative, Francis Oliele, shares Maeri’s frustration, feeling that the community did not get value for the money spent.