That Nairobi Gov Hon Johnson Sakaja could be a few meters away to his political graveyard is now an open secret with the reality becoming real on daily basis.
This follows the emergence of confirmed reports that Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration is under intense scrutiny following revelations of irregular tender awards worth Ksh.313 million in Nairobi County.
According to the reports, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has flagged the county government for awarding contracts to eight companies for the supply of street lighting materials during the Financial Year 2022/2023.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja
The EACC’s latest quarterly report, covering the period from April 1 to June 30, 2024, has placed Sakaja’s administration in the spotlight, revealing that the tenders were not only advertised but also awarded on the same day, in direct violation of public procurement laws.
The law mandates a 14-day waiting period before awarding contracts, a step that was entirely bypassed.
“It was also established that the LPOs (Local Purchasing Orders) were signed and issued to the suppliers without a preceding acceptance of the awards, in violation of public procurement laws,” the report noted.
Nairobi Gov Hon Sakaja appears lost in thoughts
This significant breach in procedure further raises concerns about the transparency and legality of the procurement process within Sakaja’s administration.
The report also highlighted another alarming issue: the contracts were signed without the presence of an accounting officer.
This omission is critical, as an accounting officer is required to assess the quality of LPO agreements, ensuring they meet all legal and financial standards.
On June 3, 2024, the EACC forwarded the case to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), recommending that those involved face charges.
Sakaja addressing Toi Market crowd last week
These charges include six counts of corrupt practices in procurement, two counts of willful failure to comply with the law, and individual counts of uttering false documents, forgery, financial misconduct, neglect of official duty, and conspiracy to commit corruption.
The EACC has called for the cancellation of the signed contracts and for disciplinary action against the implicated officials. However, on July 26, 2024, the DPP returned the file, recommending administrative action instead. The unfolding situation puts Governor Sakaja in a difficult position as his administration faces growing scrutiny over its procurement practices.
