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Kenya Power wants Sh1.2bn Chinese firm deal upheld

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Inspection of a power line. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenya Power #ticker:KPLC has moved to court seeking to reverse a ruling of the public procurement watchdog that annulled a Sh1.25 billion contract for the design, supply and installation of an advanced metering system to a Chinese firm.

Kenya Power in court documents faults The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) for allegedly entertaining the request for review from a firm that did not participate in the tender while lacking jurisdiction to hear the suit.

The public procurement watchdog on May 2 nullified the award to ZTE Corporation after its award was challenged by Shenzhen Star Instrument which specialises in manufacture and supply of smart energy meters.

The lucrative contract is aimed at supporting Kenya Power’s revenue collection.

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“Declaration to the effect that the advertisement, evaluation, and award of tender…to support revenue recovery and protection (RRP) programmes was done in conformity with the procurement laws, regulations as well as the laid down procedures and that none of the bidders rights were violated,” reads one of the orders Kenya Power is seeking.

The electricity distributor is further asking the court to restrain the board from enforcing the directive to the State firm to re-advertise the tender within 14 days and ensure that evaluation is done within the law.

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