Government Duped Into Spending Sh1.5 Billion on Defective Fighter Jets

Kenya’s military bought seven fighter jets from Jordan that were later found to be defective.

According to a report by Auditor-General Edward Ouko, the fighter jets which the government paid Sh1.5 Billion for are now being used as sources of spare parts.

Ouko stated in his latest report on State’s accounts that the jets were bought from the Royal Jordanian Air Force through government-to-government negotiations.

Reports further indicated that the defects were yet to be rectified, and seven jets had not been operational from the time they were brought in Kenya and assembled.

[caption caption="One of the fighter jets bought from Jordan"][/caption]

The chief auditor stated: “However, they are being used as sources of spare parts for other similar machines. No justification has been given for the purchase of seven aircraft at Sh498.2 million then use them as sources for spare parts.”

He also expressed concern about the procurement of supplementary services for the fleet of jets for Sh293 million, and a decision to buy spare parts at a cost of Sh129 million.

The auditor further questioned why the government purchased the fleet through restricted tendering from a company rather than buy them directly from the aircraft manufacturer.

Ouko also complained about the military’s failure to explain a decision to buy two excavators at more than four times their market price in the 2011/12 financial year.

The military paid a whopping Sh185 Million instead of Sh40 Million for the two excavators.

[caption caption="Auditor General Edward Ouko"][/caption]

“No explanation has been given so far for excess and illegal payment of Sh145.3 Million over and above the market price,” he maintained.

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