The Ministry of Defense is on the spot over allegations of inflating prices of two earth movers meant for the Kenya Defence Forces. (KDF).
According to a report by the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the government purchased two earthmovers worth Sh.40 m at an inflated price of Sh.185m.
On Wednesday, the committee claimed that the government paid an excess and illegal extra 145 million for the caterpillar brand machines.
The committee has forwarded the case to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji for investigation and possible prosecution.
It also wants the DPP to prosecute members of the Ministerial Tender Committee for approving the procurement which has seen millions in public coffers go to waste.
“The ministry proceeded to purchase the equipment despite knowing that it was overpriced from its own market survey,” reads the report tabled by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi as was seen by the Nation.
According to the committee, there was no emergency for the acquisition of the machines, making the over-pricing a case of possible carelessness or embezzlement of public coffers.
The procurement was done during the 2011/ 2012 financial year through direct sourcing.
The committee has also established that the machines have never been used since they were obtained except for training, further raising the question on why they had to be acquired under such emergency.