A whistleblower has raised serious questions over procurement processes and management decisions at the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), calling for independent investigations into allegations involving the corporation’s leadership, public resources and governance practices.
The complaint has placed REREC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rose Mkalama at the centre of concerns raised over alleged procurement irregularities and accountability issues.
The claims come at a time when her first contract is reported to have ended in June 2026, with allegations that she is seeking reappointment for another term.
The whistleblower has called on oversight agencies to examine various procurement activities involving supplies and contractors, claiming that some tenders may have been handled in a manner that requires closer scrutiny.
The complaint alleges that some beneficiaries of contracts could have links to politically connected individuals, raising questions about whether procurement processes were fully competitive, transparent and compliant with public procurement laws.
The allegations remain claims that require investigation and verification by relevant authorities. However, the whistleblower insists that a State corporation funded by taxpayers must operate with high levels of accountability and that all procurement decisions should be open to independent review.
One of the major concerns raised in the complaint relates to a reported matter involving approximately KSh 1.2 billion, which the whistleblower claims involves possible loss or misappropriation of public funds. The complainant has urged investigators and journalists to examine available court records, audit reports and official documents to establish the facts surrounding the matter.
The whistleblower has also raised concerns about previous procurement controversies involving Dr. Mkalama and former REREC Chief Executive Officer Peter Mbugua Ng’ang’a.
According to the complaint, there are questions about whether previous disciplinary processes fully addressed accountability and whether all individuals connected to past issues faced equal scrutiny.
The complaint further alleges that some employees who attempted to raise concerns internally faced intimidation and pressure, creating an environment where staff may fear speaking openly about issues affecting the institution.
The whistleblower argues that protecting employees who raise genuine concerns is important in ensuring public institutions can identify and address problems early.
Additional claims have been made regarding alleged statements by senior officials suggesting they have influence or protection through individuals linked to investigative and oversight institutions, including the National Intelligence Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The whistleblower says such allegations should be examined objectively to determine whether there has been any interference with accountability processes.
The concerns come amid continued public debate over governance and financial management in State corporations across Kenya.
Institutions such as the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority have previously faced intense scrutiny over procurement decisions, while other public bodies have also experienced calls for greater transparency in recruitment, spending and leadership decisions.
Public procurement remains one of the areas receiving close attention from oversight bodies because of the risks associated with misuse of public funds.
The Office of the Auditor General and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority have repeatedly emphasised the need for State agencies to follow the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act when handling taxpayer-funded projects.
The whistleblower is now asking the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Office of the Auditor General, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, the National Assembly Committee on Energy and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to investigate the allegations raised at REREC.
The call for action is centred on establishing the truth, protecting public resources and ensuring that leadership and procurement decisions at the corporation meet the required standards of transparency and accountability.
The focus remains on whether the relevant authorities will move in to examine the claims and provide clarity on the issues raised.
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