United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Senator Samson Cherargei on Tuesday, June 28, sought clarification from the Senate over the change of operating systems made by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director, Captain William Ruto.
Through the Standing Committee of Roads, Transportation and Housing, Cheragei made three demands over Captain Ruto’s decision to suspend the use of ledger accounts by KPA.
In a statement dated Tuesday, June 27, the Nandi Senator argued that the decision to have KPA only render services through bank cheques and other bank payment systems, including real-time gross settlement (RTGS), did not follow due process.
“I request reasons for the suspension of payments using ledger accounts by KPA indicating whether specific commercial banks currently render these services in real-time,” Cherargei stated.
Amongst his top demands was the need to know if Captain Ruto conducted public participation and stakeholder consultative meetings before making such a drastic decision.
“The committee to table a report on the alleged manipulation of the ledger system, stating whether public funds were lost in the said operation,” Cherargei demanded.
While suspending the ledger system in June, the KPA Managing Director indicated that it was investigating an alleged syndicate accused of manipulating the systems.
Lastly, Cherargei wanted Captain Ruto to outline any impending changes by KPA in a bid to improve the overall operations of the authority.
KPA is expected to roll out the new system at the start of the 2023/2024 financial year on Saturday, July 1.
The new system is being opposed by KPA customers arguing that they will no longer be receiving services on credit from the government facility.
Apart from weeding out officials who collude with KPA staff to manipulate the ledger system, Captain Ruto aims to address the issue of ballooning debt owed by customers.
“Customers with ledger guaranteed accounts should ensure settlement of all pending or outstanding invoices before 30th June 2023,” the MD stated.
