The government has issued a stern warning to contractors and civil servants who rely on political connections to secure public contracts.
Speaking during a two-day inspection tour of government-funded development projects on Saturday, July 19, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, condemned the growing trend of politically shielded contractors who dodge accountability and deliver substandard work.
Owalo vowed that the government is set to begin cracking down on individuals undermining service delivery through conflicts of interest and procurement interference.
“We are witnessing a challenge in the implementation of projects where some contractors have political connections or ties with people in government. Let me make it clear: the award of contracts must remain within the confines of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. That Act does not recognise political connections or proximity to power,” Owalo said.
The Deputy Chief of Staff maintained that the government will not tolerate contractors hiding behind political patronage to deliver substandard or incomplete work.
“If you are awarded a government contract, you must deliver, regardless of the politician or official you know,” Owalo continued.
According to Owalo, all contractors’ work would be judged by its impact and quality, not by who they know.
Owalo's warning also extended to civil servants manipulating procurement systems for personal gain or to favour associates. According to Owalo, such behaviour undermines service delivery and would be dealt with firmly through legal channels.
“We are liaising with investigative agencies to ensure public officers found guilty of procurement interference face the full force of the law,” Owalo continued.
Among the practices the government is targeting in the crackdown is the widespread issue of civil servants secretly running or profiting from private contracting businesses while still holding official roles.
Such civil servants have been warned to stick to their official roles or resign.
“We will not allow public servants to serve two masters. If you want to do business, resign and go into the private sector,” he added.
