How Somali Cartel Controls the Kenya Roads Board

A shadow hangs over the Kenya Roads Board after Director General Rashid Mohamed allegedly colluded with Vickers Security Services to secure a lucrative security contract.

This scandal has prompted Lavington Security Limited to challenge the award of the tender, throwing the board’s operations into disarray.

As tensions rise, the implications reach beyond the boardroom, affecting Kenya’s public tendering process.

Everyone is watching closely as this saga unfolds, seeking answers to how corruption can infiltrate essential public services.

Rashid’s Shadowy Deals: The Somali Cartel Connection in a Tender Scandal

Rashid Mohamed, the Director General of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), seems to have played a crucial role in the tender for private security services.

This contract involves security for KRB headquarters and regional offices for 12 months, with a possible one-year extension based on performance.

Lavington Security Limited has filed a review of this tender with the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB). They accuse KRB of misconduct.

The board must scrutinize the dealings of Rashid and Vickers Security to ensure fairness in the procurement process.

Tenders and Scandals

The tender, numbered KRB/T/12/2023-2024, had a deadline for applications on June 14, 2024.

Several firms competed for the contract, including Vickers Security, Lavington Security, and Hounslow Security.

Vickers emerged as the lowest bidder, claiming to pay its guards Sh45,000 per month, well above the minimum wage set by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

However, upon investigation by Kenya Insights, it was revealed that Vickers Security’s guards do not receive the promised salary.

The bidding process appeared rigged to keep others out, raising serious questions about the integrity of the evaluation process.

PPARB’s Dilemma on Somali Cartel

The PPARB, which handles disputes related to public procurement, must now address Lavington Security’s objections.

The board’s members, including Chairman George Murugu, will review KRB’s actions and the tender award.

On July 30, 2024, KRB responded to Lavington’s request, but the board ultimately dismissed the review.

They ruled that KRB could continue with the procurement process, leaving many unanswered questions.

How did Vickers become the only company that met the new PSRA requirements, despite other companies raising concerns?

Implications of Corruption

Rashid’s alleged dealings highlight the risks of corrupt practices within public agencies. His close relationship with Vickers Security and the dubious circumstances surrounding the tender process underline a toxic atmosphere in Kenya’s public procurement system.

This not only endangers the fairness of the tendering process but raises concerns about the ability to protect public funds.

As these events unfold, the call for accountability grows louder among civilians and industry players.

In summary, this scandal reveals a troubling intersection of corruption and governance, leaving Kenyans to wonder about the future of public service in the face of greed and collusion.