Fresh details have emerged on a multi-billion scandal that
has left Kenya Defense Forces bosses with an egg on their face.
The Sh1.6 Billion scandal was unraveled by Auditor General
Edward Ouko and involved the purchase of seven aircrafts from the Royal Jordan
Air Force.
The Auditor General’s verification report revealed that the
seven aircrafts were known to be effective from the date of delivery in 2007
and since then, the expensive combat machines have not been used.
“Audit of the fuel and servicing records indicate that the
seven aircrafts have not been in operation from the time they were procured,”
Ouko’s report reads in part.
The revelation is further compounded by the fact that the
purchase of the military gear was not done through a competitive tender process
but through a government to government deal.
The Auditor General’s report further questions why a further
Sh1.2 Billion maintenance contract was done through restricted tender instead
of directly engaging the manufacturer so as to provide value for public money.
A contract for supply of supplementary services was also
signed in 2009 for Sh288 Million even though the audit process could not
establish if the services were provided.
“I am unable to confirm under the circumstances whether
value for money was obtained in the procurement of these spare parts and
whether payments for the spare parts were lawfully and effective as provided
under Article 229 (6) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” Ouko concludes.
