NSSF seals multi-billion tender despite order

 

 

 

Business_News

PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | FILE The NSSF's office building in Nairobi.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

 

 

By NATION CORRESPONDENT

In Summary

• Despite the government ordering a stop to all big public tenders until the next government takes over, tendering for completion of the 36-storey building was concluded in just a month and three days.

A decision by a pensions fund to conclude a multi-billion deal despite a government directive to freeze big public tenders until after the elections is raising eyebrows.

Sources familiar with the process told the Nation last week that the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) sealed a procurement deal that will see the completion of Hazina Trade Centre — currently housing Nakumatt Lifestyle — whose construction was suspended over a tendering dispute last year.

Despite the government ordering a stop to all big public tenders until the next government takes over, tendering for completion of the 36-storey building was concluded in just a month and three days.

Absence of oversight bodies

Last month, the head of civil service and secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Francis Kimemia suspended all giant public tenders saying the absence of oversight bodies such as the Parliament and the fact that the public’s attention is currently focused on campaigns and succession politics could create loopholes, leaving the tax payers money exposed to fraud.

NSSF had last year awarded a Sh6 billion tender to Cementers Ltd to complete construction of the building but the deal was nullified by the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) citing flaws in the evaluation.

The board directed the pension fund to re-tender for the construction work.

On January 9, the NSSF invited registered contractors to bid for the construction work, giving a deadline of January 30.

“Specific works for which tenders are invited include main works comprising of builders, plumbing and drainage, fire fighting, mechanical ventilation and air conditioning, electrical and structured cabling installations among others,” NSSF said in the advert.

Less than 24 hours after submission, technical evaluation was completed and financial evaluation was completed two days later. The tender was awarded on February 12.