Activist in court, seeks probe into Kenya Power tender

Francis Awino, an activist, has taken his case to the High Court seeking an independent investigation into a Kenya Power tender, raising concerns over the procurement process and its adherence to legal and constitutional standards. The tender, known as KP1/9A.2/OT/001/PJT/25-26, pertains to labour and transport construction services for vegetation management.

The tender received 346 bids, with 20 later withdrawn. Following a review process, the Evaluation Committee suggested 91 bidders for contracts, including nine regional and 82 Distribution Area awards.

Awino argues that the scope of the procurement, coupled with its connection to the operations of a utility focused on public interest, constitutes a significant public concern. His petition follows a previous challenge by Panthers Power Technologies Limited, which filed a complaint with the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) on June 30, 2026.

The Board, however, did not rule on the merits of the complaints, instead upholding an objection that Panthers Power had failed to include the successful bidders as parties to the proceedings.

Awino is requesting the High Court to permit oversight agencies to independently examine the procurement process. Key issues raised include the validity period of the tender, the changes to the tender-opening date, the qualifications and licences of successful bidders, the use of a Cost Handbook in the financial evaluation, and the role of Kenya Power's accounting officer in approving the tender recommendations.

Awino emphasizes that he is not asserting these allegations as established facts, but rather seeks an investigation to determine if the tender complied with constitutional requirements and whether any improper relationships or undisclosed ownership existed among the companies involved.