The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns over procurement irregularities within the Turkana County Government, where a lucrative tender was allegedly awarded to a company linked to a county official. According to the EACC's latest quarterly report, the Clerk of the County Assembly collaborated with the county government to secure a tender for air travel services for Reapak Travel Agency, a company in which he is a director.

The EACC's investigation also uncovered that officials in the county's Finance Department jointly approved and processed the payment without verifying the necessary supporting documents, prompting the commission to launch a deeper probe into the matter.


On June 3, 2024, the EACC forwarded a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), recommending that those involved in the procurement process be charged. The individuals include the Clerk of Turkana County Assembly, the Procurement Officer, the Deputy Clerk, the Principal Finance Officer, the Principal Internal Auditor, the Senior Accountant, the Director of Finance, an agent of Reapak Travel Agency Limited, as well as Reapak Travel Agency Limited and its directors.

The eight charges include five counts of abuse of office, conspiracy to commit an economic crime, unlawful acquisition of public property, and conflict of interest, all contrary to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003. The EACC is currently awaiting a response from the DPP on the matter.


This revelation comes as President William Ruto's administration has pledged to tackle corruption and conflict of interest by adopting and improving technology systems to enhance accountability. In July 2024, President Ruto urged Parliament to pass the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023, which he emphasized would strengthen anti-corruption efforts and prevent public or state officers from misusing their positions to secure tenders for personal gain.

"I urge Parliament to expedite the Conflict of Interest Bill to support our anti-corruption initiatives, particularly concerning public officers," President Ruto stated at KICC on July 9, 2024.