In Kenya, 350 private firms have just been forbidden access to energy tenders by the Kenyan Power Lighting Company. The decision followed an internal audit that revealed that more than two thirds of the 500 contractors did not meet the set criteria for pre-qualification but have so far been awarded contracts through nepotism.

“Any contractor out of those three hundred and something firms will never do any business with the Government of Kenya, not only the Ministry of Energy,” said Charles Keter (photo) the energy minister.

“We need to circulate that list to other departments. If they are dealing with roads or REA (Rural Electrification Authority), they have to be removed like yesterday,” he added.

Furthermore, the Kenyan Power Lighting Company has also sacked 18 employees who co-owned some of these firms with their relatives.

Investigations are still underway and the attorney urged Inspector General of Police to reach conclusions within 21 days.

Gwladys Johnson Akinocho