The National Constituency Government Development Fund (NG-CDF) board is currently embroiled in a major controversy surrounding the procurement of a Sh854.7 million software solution.
This case has drawn attention due to allegations of corruption and improper influence, particularly involving ICT and Digital Economy Permanent Secretary John Tanui.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has joined the investigation, seeking to unravel the claims of graft and manipulation in this high-profile saga.
At the heart of the controversy is the award of the tender to Agile Business Solutions Ltd, a company reportedly linked to the powerful PS.
Insiders allege that Tanui played a pivotal role in pushing through the exorbitant deal for personal gain.
The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which the NG-CDF board intends to use to manage its critical operations, has become the focal point of these allegations.
The procurement process has been fraught with tension, particularly after GreenCom Enterprises Solutions Ltd, a losing bidder, filed a complaint with the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB).
GreenCom argued that the procurement process was unfair, claiming they had been treated unjustly during the evaluation.
However, the PPARB dismissed GreenCom’s complaint, allowing the NG-CDF board to proceed with awarding the contract to Agile Business Solutions Ltd.
The scope of the tender is extensive, including the supply, installation, implementation, testing, training, commissioning, and maintenance of the ERP system.
Out of the five firms that submitted bids—Impax Business Solutions Ltd, Attain Enterprise Solutions Ltd, GreenCom Enterprises Ltd, Kingsway Business Systems Ltd, and Agile Business Solutions Ltd—only Agile and GreenCom advanced to the final evaluation stage.
While GreenCom met the preliminary and mandatory technical requirements, it ultimately fell short in the technical capacity evaluation.
The PPARB rejected GreenCom’s grievances due to a lack of sufficient evidence, paving the way for Agile to secure the contract.
However, Agile Business Solutions Ltd, despite its success in landing multimillion-shilling contracts, is reportedly plagued by internal issues, including scandals and employee dissatisfaction.
A whistleblower from within the company, speaking under the condition of anonymity, has shed light on the corruption, nepotism, and gross mismanagement that allegedly pervade the company’s operations.
The source also made startling claims about the company’s involvement in election manipulation, implicating two employees, Edmond Kiprotich and Nicholas Kipkosgei, in rigging activities during the national tallying at the Bomas of Kenya.
The directors of Agile Business Solutions, Anthony Komen and Nathan Kimutai, are alleged to have strong ties with PS Tanui, who is frequently seen at presidential events and on official trips.
Furthermore, Kimutai and his brother, Patrick Bett, are accused of wielding major influence over procurement processes, raising further concerns about the integrity of the tendering system within the NG-CDF board.
The controversy surrounding this procurement deal highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption and governance in Kenya’s public sector.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in government contracts, particularly those involving large sums of public money.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, as it could have far-reaching implications for those involved and for the broader fight against corruption in Kenya.
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