Power, Politics, and Procurement: Unmasking Corruption at Kenya Ports Authority

Power, Politics, and Procurement: Unmasking Corruption at Kenya Ports Authority

A fresh wave of corruption allegations has emerged at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), implicating senior officials in a growing procurement scandal that may have far-reaching implications beyond the country’s borders.

Alleged KPA’s face of corruption procurement manager Evelyn Shigoli

At the center of the storm is Eveline Shigoli, the General Manager of Supply Chain Management, who has once again come under scrutiny after surviving multiple attempts to oust her from the influential position. New revelations indicate Shigoli worked in collusion with top-ranking officials to irregularly award high-value tenders, sparking outrage and calls for urgent government intervention.

Documents obtained by this publication suggest that Shigoli expedited several tenders under questionable circumstances. Among them is Tender KPA/157-2024-25/ICT for the provision of mobile application support and maintenance services, which was conducted under a restricted tendering process now being investigated by anti-corruption agencies. Insiders allege that the process was manipulated to benefit pre-selected suppliers.

Procurement and Contract Management Manager Moses Sirgoi reportedly oversaw the tender on behalf of Shigoli, who has been accused of evading accountability through political connections and administrative maneuvering. According to internal sources, millions in kickbacks may have already exchanged hands, raising fears of inflated contracts and misuse of public funds.

“She tells everyone that she’s untouchable,” one insider said, referencing Shigoli’s claims of enjoying political immunity from scrutiny. “It’s business as usual, and they’ve turned procurement into a gold mine.”

Shigoli is also accused of sidelining officers perceived as obstacles to her operations. In 2024, she allegedly orchestrated the transfer of Dan Omuyansi from procurement to the marketing department. Omuyansi, now also under scrutiny, is believed to have played a role in manipulating several tenders, including those for electrical works, structured cabling, CRM systems, and medical services.

Other senior officials implicated include Edward Wahome, Head of ICT, and Edward Kamau, General Manager of Corporate Services. Their departments are currently under audit, particularly over procurement of ICT equipment for Lamu Port, which has raised red flags among investigators.

Sources at KPA say the atmosphere has grown tense in recent weeks, with high-level meetings taking place daily amid fears that a government crackdown is imminent. Engineers from various departments have reportedly been summoned in what is seen as a damage control exercise.

A whistleblower, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the level of corruption at KPA as “industrial scale,” adding that only decisive intervention by oversight authorities could stem the rot.

The Kenya Ports Authority is yet to issue a formal response to the latest allegations.

 

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Alex Lorel

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