In November 2023, the Ombudsman Commission received a complaint from a learned citizen in relation to the alleged improper awarding of the contracts for the rehabilitation of roads and street lights to two foreign-owned companies by a certain provincial procurement authority.
It was alleged that the foreign-owned companies were not operating in the province and did not have the capacity to supply goods, works, and services, as the company registry records show.
Additionally, it was alleged that the provincial procurement authority did not follow due diligence in awarding the contracts, thereby breaching relevant legislation. The allegations also included instances of conflict of interest and discriminatory practice by the provincial procurement authority in overlooking nationally owned companies when awarding contracts for the supply of goods, works, and services in the province.
In January 2024, the Commission commenced an assessment of the case and issued its relevant notice under the Organic Law of the Ombudsman Commission to the provincial authority concerned.
By May 2024, the head of the provincial authority advised the Commission that the allocated funding for the contracts was put on hold and a re-tender of the contracts be made as per the initial advice from the state office.
Consequently, the contacts valued at over K14 million were re-tendered and awarded to nationally owned companies in 2024, resulting in a successful outcome.