Kenya Ports Authority Employee Arrested for Procurement Fraud Involving Ksh 6.4 Million Tender Awarded to Daughter’s Company

Janet Mwendwa, an employee of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), has been arrested on charges of conflict of interest and procurement fraud, according to a statement from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The arrest, which occurred early Friday morning, is related to a fraudulent tender amounting to Ksh 6,436,934.40 that was awarded to a company owned by Mwendwa’s daughter.

The EACC has detailed that Mwendwa is suspected of having used her position to benefit her daughter’s company through the tendering process. Specifically, she is alleged to have participated in the evaluation and award of the tender, creating a clear conflict of interest that undermined the integrity of the procurement process. This action is not only a serious breach of public procurement regulations but also raises significant ethical concerns about the misuse of public office for personal gain.

The allegations against Mwendwa are serious and multifaceted. She faces charges of conflict of interest, which involves using one’s official position to benefit personal interests. Additionally, she is accused of unlawful acquisition of public property, a charge that reflects the illegal appropriation of public funds or resources for personal gain. The charge of fraudulent practice in procurement pertains to deceitful actions taken to manipulate the procurement process, while the charge of uttering false documents involves the submission or endorsement of falsified documentation, further compounding the allegations against her.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has reviewed the case and concurred with the EACC’s recommendations to pursue these charges. The decision to proceed with prosecution highlights the seriousness with which Kenyan authorities are treating issues of corruption and procurement malpractices. It reflects an ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions.

Following her arrest, Janet Mwendwa has been escorted to the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court. There, she will face the charges laid against her and take a formal plea. This case underscores the crucial role of oversight and integrity in public procurement processes and serves as a reminder of the consequences of corruption within public institutions.

The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings are part of broader efforts by Kenyan authorities to combat corruption and promote ethical conduct within public offices. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, the EACC and the DPP aim to restore public confidence in the management of public resources and reinforce the importance of ethical standards in the procurement process.