Nairobi County Government Faces Corruption Scandal Over Ksh.313 Million Street Lighting Tender

The Nairobi County government is embroiled in a major corruption scandal following revelations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) that it irregularly awarded tenders worth Ksh.313 million for street lighting materials. The EACC's damning report, covering the period from April to June 2024, highlights significant breaches of procurement laws during the Financial Year 2022/2023.

According to the EACC, the tender was advertised and contracts were awarded to eight companies on the same day—a clear violation of the mandatory 14-day waiting period required by public procurement regulations. The report also reveals that Local Purchasing Orders (LPOs) were signed and issued without prior acceptance of the awards and in the absence of an accounting officer, further deepening concerns over the legality and transparency of the process.

On June 3, 2024, the EACC forwarded the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), recommending that those involved face 14 criminal charges, including corrupt practices in procurement, forgery, financial misconduct, and conspiracy to commit corruption.

Despite the severity of the findings, the DPP, on July 26, 2024, returned the file, advising that administrative action rather than criminal prosecution be pursued against the suspects. The EACC has recommended the immediate cancellation of the contracts and disciplinary proceedings against the implicated officials.

This scandal has sparked public outrage and intensified scrutiny of the Nairobi County government's commitment to transparency and accountability in its procurement processes. The case is now a focal point in the ongoing fight against corruption in Kenya, with many calling for stronger enforcement of anti-corruption laws.