By TWV Team
The Public Procurement Administrative Board (PPAB) has annulled the tender award for Tender No. KCA/T/003/2024-2025, which relates to the proposed construction of the Kericho County Assembly Chambers. The decision was made due to irregularities in the tender award process and a reported lack of funding for the project.
Four bids were submitted for the tender. After the initial evaluation, three bids were deemed non-responsive, with only Supreme Fortitude Limited’s bid advancing to the next phase.
During the technical evaluation, the committee set a minimum threshold of 70 marks for bidders to progress to the financial evaluation. Supreme Fortitude Limited’s bid met this threshold and advanced to the financial assessment.
The evaluation committee conducted a detailed due diligence process, reviewing three of Supreme Fortitude Limited’s previous projects. The company’s bid was deemed the lowest responsive bid, at Kshs. 499,194,012. However, this amount exceeded the Kericho County Assembly’s budget limit of Kshs. 485,000,000.
Consequently, the committee concluded that Supreme Fortitude Limited’s tender did not comply with the financial parameters outlined in the tender’s original conditions. Mr. Raymond Koroi, Head of Supply Chain, reviewed the matter and, on May 5, 2025, issued a professional opinion recommending termination of the procurement process and re-advertisement of the tender.
This recommendation was endorsed by Mr Martin Epus on the same day, and the bidders were notified via letters dated May 5, 2025. However, the PPAB intervened and issued a ruling on June 5, 2025, stating:
- The decision by the accounting officer of the Kericho County Assembly to terminate the procurement proceedings for Tender No. KCA/T/003/2024-2025 and advertise Tender No. KCA/T/004/2024-2025 has been annulled.
- The letters sent by the Kericho County Assembly on May 5, 2025, informing Supreme Fortitude Limited and other bidders of the termination of the procurement process are nullified.
- The accounting officer must reconvene the tender evaluation committee to reassess the bids that advanced to the financial evaluation stage, in accordance with proper evaluation criteria.
- The procurement process, including the contract award, must be concluded within 30 days from the date of this decision, considering the board’s findings.
This development raises questions about the management of public procurement processes and adherence to financial limits and tender conditions. It also underscores the need for transparency and due diligence in handling public funds for large-scale projects.
