EACC Arrests NITA Director General and Others Over Alleged Irregular Ksh.28 Million Tender

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Stephen Ogenga, the Director General of the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), along with several others, over allegations of irregularities in the award of a Ksh.28.4 million tender during the 2017/2018 financial year.

The tender in question was for the supply, installation, and maintenance of sewing and training machines, awarded to M/S Xponics Limited at a contract sum of Ksh.28,411,620. The directors of Xponics Limited, James Waweru and Sheila Wambui Nyakinyua, were also arrested.

Elizabeth Achieng', Ogenga's wife, was apprehended for obstructing EACC officials during the operation. In addition, former NITA Director General Paul Kipsang Kosgei has been ordered to report to EACC headquarters on Monday, June 3, 2024, in connection with the same allegations.

The EACC has been investigating claims of corruption and irregularities in the tender award process at NITA. The commission's investigations led to the arrests and the submission of files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), who concurred with the recommendation to charge the suspects.

Why this matters: The arrest of high-ranking officials over corruption allegations highlights the ongoing struggle to combat graft and ensure accountability in public offices. If convicted, the accused individuals could face severe penalties, and the case could lead to a broader crackdown on corruption in Kenya.

The accused individuals will face charges under various sections of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003, including conspiracy to commit corruption, abuse of office, and fraudulent acquisition of public property. They are set to be arraigned on Monday.

The EACC stated, *"The Commission conducted investigations and upon conclusion, the Commission submitted the files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) who upon independent review concurred with the recommendation of the Commission to charge the suspects."*

The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by the EACC to address corruption and ensure accountability in public offices. The next steps in the legal proceedings will be closely watched while the case unfolds.

Key Takeaways

• EACC arrests NITA DG Stephen Ogenga over Ksh.28.4m tender scam.
• Tender was for sewing/training machines supply, installation, and maintenance.
• Ogenga's wife, Elizabeth Achieng', arrested for obstructing EACC officials.
• Former NITA DG Paul Kipsang Kosgei ordered to report to EACC HQ on June 3.
• Suspects to face charges under Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.