The Ethics and Ant-corruption Commission has issued a press release concerning claims by Nation Media Group over reports of CS Kuria allegedly warning public institutions not to give tenders to public institutions.
Kuria had allegedly warned public institutions not to award tenders to certain organisations.
The statement issued to the media, dated 19th June 2023 read, “the attention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption (EACC) has been drawn to statements reported in sections of the media threatening and warning public institutions against awarding tenders to certain organizations.”
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has a constitutional and statutory mandate to advise public institutions and public officials on ethics and good governance practices in the discharge of their responsibilities, including on issues concerning procurement of goods and services.
“Notably, public procurement laws and Regulations are designed to achieve important objectives in the management of public affairs, as set out in the Constitution and the relevant Statutes.
While quoting the law, the EACC noted that the Constitution in Article 227 requires that public procurement be carried out in a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.
“Consequently, no person or organization can, lawfully, be denied an opportunity to participate in any public procurement except as may be authorized under the law.”
“Similarly, no public institution or public official should be victimized for engaging in any lawful dealings with any organization, including in the award of tenders.” The statement seen by K47 digital news team reads.
Adding: “The Commission, therefore, advises all state and public officers to strictly adhere to the laws governing management of public affairs, including the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012.”
