Faecal Sludge Tender Exposes Massive Corruption in Wajir County Bidding Process

A report from concerned residents and stakeholders in Wajir County has raised serious alarm over the integrity of a tender process for the construction of a faecal sludge treatment plant in Wajir Town.

According to sources, six companies participated in the bidding but concerns have surfaced regarding the fairness of the process, with allegations that one bidder is suspected of submitting bids under the names of two other companies.

It is said that these companies are owned by his alleged business associates and brother in what appears to be an orchestrated attempt to manipulate the tender and ensure the victory of one of his companies.

There are also reports that the said person is purportedly well-connected to Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir with whom they allegedly use these companies as proxies to embezzle public funds. 

It is claimed that these three companies, along with several others linked to the same network, are reported to have secured up to 80% of all Wajir County tenders. 

Sources suggest that the Governor may be utilizing the proceeds from these deals to purchase properties both within Kenya and in Dubai.

"Good morning Nyakundi. I have something to share with you. The tender for the construction of a faecal sludge treatment plant in Wajir Town (Bid No. KE-WAJWASCO-456993-CW-RFB, Credit No.: IDA 60300) was recently opened, and the following companies submitted their bids:

1. Maow Holdings- KSh 570,802,041

2. Fatah Construction- KSh 557,984,604

3. Namsosid Investment- KSh 840,612,671

4. Midcast Construction- KSh 816,170,058

5. Halane Construction- KSh 770,491,113

6. Hashit Construction- KSh 545,302,576

However, there are serious concerns about the integrity of this process. The owner of Halane Construction (No. 5 on the list) is alleged to have submitted bids using two other companies — Namsosid Investment (No. 3) and Midcast Construction (No. 4). These companies are reportedly owned by his business associates and brother. This scheme is intended to manipulate the tender process, ensuring one of his companies wins.

It’s also alleged that this individual is closely tied to the county Governor, who is said to be using these companies as proxies to embezzle public funds. Reports indicate that these three companies, along with four others linked to the same group, have secured 80% of all Wajir County tenders. Furthermore, there are claims that the Governor is using proceeds from these questionable deals to purchase properties in Kenya and Dubai.

In this specific tender, Halane Construction, which submitted one of the highest bids, is reportedly being favored for the award, despite not being the lowest or most technically qualified bidder. This is unacceptable and unfair to the taxpayers of Wajir County.

We must demand transparency and accountability. Why not award the tender to the lowest responsive and most qualified bidder, as per the principles of fair competition? As residents of Wajir County, we must stand together to expose and stop this blatant misuse of public funds. Impunity like this cannot continue unchallenged. Let’s protect our resources for the benefit of all, not a few corrupt individuals."