Safaricom security deal gets MPs’ nod
What you need to know:
- The team concluded that the procurement process for the Sh18.8 billion project was above board and all necessary stakeholders were consulted.
- Media reports in May that provoked public concern that Safaricom had been awarded the tender through direct procurement.
A parliamentary committee on Thursday approved the national security surveillance system award to Safaricom.
The tender award to the mobile service provider is for the provision of a national surveillance, communication, and command and control system for the National Police Service.
The Administration and National Security Committee of the National Assembly said at the conclusion of its investigation into the award that it was satisfied due diligence was carried out.
The team concluded that the procurement process for the Sh18.8 billion project was above board and all necessary stakeholders were consulted. It thus recommends that the National Assembly approves the tender award and the signing of the contract to Safaricom.
URGENCY
The committee has defended the use of direct procurement arguing that it was necessitated by the urgency to sort out the security problems.
“The insecurity problems in this country were such that the other methods of procurement, save for direct procurement would have been impractical… the circumstances therefore justify direct procurement in this tender,” the report states in its final report now before the House.
The committee did not find any ulterior motive on the choice of Safaricom to implement the project either, noting that given the urgency and the precarious security situation, Safaricom was the most appropriate entity.
It adds that the company has the requisite financial capability and experience in providing a telecommunication network and infrastructure.
The committee seized the matter following media reports in May that provoked public concern that Safaricom had been awarded the tender for the sensitive security system through direct procurement.
The team directed that the signing of the contract for the project be put on hold last month until all arising concerns were addressed.
Among others, it met top officers in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government including the technical committee which evaluated and approved the tender.
Eyes now turn to MPs, in whose hands the fate of the tender lies.
