The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is once again embroiled in a corruption scandal, with new details emerging that implicate Eveline Shigoli, the General Manager for Supply Chain Management. The allegations suggest a pattern of manipulated tender awards and kickbacks, raising concerns that the rot within the state parastatal could have far-reaching consequences.
Ms. Shigoli, who has reportedly fended off previous attempts to remove her from the influential position, is now accused of collaborating with senior officers to forcefully award garage tenders to pre-selected suppliers. Documents obtained by our news desk indicate a hurried push for numerous tenders, allegedly under pressure from senior figures and a personal drive to manipulate procurement processes.
One specific tender, KPA/157-2024-25/ICT for the provision of mobile application support and maintenance services, conducted under a restricted tender method, is already under intense scrutiny. An insider has reportedly shared critical information regarding this tender with investigative agencies. Moses Sirgoi, the Manager of Procurement and Contract Management, was reportedly in charge of this tender on behalf of Ms. Shigoli, who is described as playing “cat and mouse games” in procurement.
While no official reason has been given for the expedited nature of this and other tenders, an unnamed source suggests that Ms. Shigoli and her inner circle have already reaped millions in kickbacks, fueling fears of inflated tender values. The Procurement Manager has allegedly boasted of “unbowed political protection” to her critics, dismissing concerns from media outlets regarding the alleged corruption at KPA’s procurement desk.
Sources indicate that corruption within the procurement department has become commonplace, with senior officers reportedly adept at circumventing justice. It is also alleged that Ms. Shigoli has a history of instigating transfers of officers who stand in her way, citing the 2024 transfer of Dan Omuyansi to the marketing department as an example.
The allegations extend to manipulated and exaggerated tender deals, including those for Electrical Works, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of Intelligent Structured Cabling, Customer Relationship Management System, Provision of Rehabilitation Facilities and Services, and Outpatient and Inpatient Services for staff, among others.
Under particular scrutiny are Edward Wahome, Head of ICT, and Edward Kamau, General Manager Corporate Services. Auditors are reportedly focusing on Mr. Kamau’s docket, pointing fingers at how public coffers may have been looted, with investigations specifically looking into Lamu Port ICT equipment. These developments follow earlier allegations of massive looting and misappropriation of public funds at the parastatal.
In anticipation of potential government intervention and changes, the KPA procurement department has reportedly been a hive of activity over the past week, with numerous meetings led by various engineers from different port departments. An anonymous source, expressing deep concern, stated that the level of corruption at the parastatal is unprecedented and called for immediate intervention from relevant authorities.
