New Tremor in KPA as Ksh 62.7 million new scandal erupts.

New details have emerged months after DPP Noordin Haji approved the prosecution of former KPA managing director Daniel Manduku  over Sh244 procurement irregularities. Manduku was charged alongside KPA works officer Juma Chigulu.

A fresh Sh62.7 million scandal has rocked the Kenya Ports Authority in what is threatening to destroy the careers of top officials of the troubled state corporation.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has unearthed irregular awarding of a Sh40 million tender given to the mother of a senior KPA clerical officer. Through the Clerical officer’s mother, her firm Chemiso East Africa was awarded Ksh 62.7 million for a Ksh 40 million tender by KPA – an excess of Ksh 22 million.

“Investigations established that the procurement was irregular, which resulted in unlawful payments amounting to Sh62,732,772.74 to the proprietors of Chemiso East Africa,” EACC said.

“Investigations further established the evaluation committee didn’t conduct proper technical evaluation and there was conflict of interest.”

On January 4, the EACC forwarded the investigations file to the DDP’s office recommending high-profile prosecutions, including the senior clerical officer and the head of procurement and supplies.

Also recommended for prosecution are head of civil engineering, all members of the tender evaluation committee and the proprietor and signatory of Chemiso East Africa.

The anti-graft agency wants the officials charged with, among others, conflict of interest, fraudulent acquisition of public property, willful failure to comply with the law relating to procurement, money laundering and obtaining a contract from a public institution by false pretence.

KPA has been swimming in a pool of scandals and from its top leadership – it’s officials from Ex Managing Director has been prosecuted,   Finance Manager   also been prosecuted over irregular tenders awarded, abuse of office,​ money laundering and so on. It’s a double-edged sword.