NAIROBI, Kenya- The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) has cleared the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to continue with a Sh1.2 billion transformer procurement tender, dismissing complaints filed by two local manufacturers who claimed the process was discriminatory and unfair.
In a decision delivered on April 29, 2025, the PPARB ruled that the complaints lodged by Empower Transformers Ltd and Nairobi Transformers Manufacturers lacked merit, allowing Kenya Power to move forward with the tender for the supply of 3,319 distribution transformers from local manufacturers.
The two firms had challenged KPLC’s demand that the transformers be delivered within 14 days of awarding the tender, arguing that the timeline was commercially impractical and designed to favor companies with ready-made stock.
They also alleged selective disclosure of a shift in procurement policy toward pre-manufactured transformers.
However, the Board found no evidence that KPLC had breached procurement laws, ruling that the 14-day delivery period was justified due to urgency.
The utility company had cited delays caused by budgetary constraints and public outcry from customers who had already paid for transformers.
According to KPLC, the tender terms were publicly posted, and all bidders had equal access to information.
“The Procuring Entity demonstrated a consistent and credible trail of communication evidencing the urgency of the requirement,” the Board noted, adding that “timely delivery of these essential components is paramount in upholding the public good.”
One of the complaints was struck out on procedural grounds after Empower Transformers failed to name the Accounting Officer of KPLC as a respondent, a mandatory requirement under procurement laws.
The second application, filed by Nairobi Transformers Manufacturers, was dismissed for lack of evidence supporting claims of discrimination and unreasonable tender conditions.
With the Board’s ruling now in place, KPLC has been directed to proceed with finalizing the tender and ensure the timely supply of transformers to address electricity connection delays across the country.
The decision is expected to ease pressure on Kenya Power, which has faced mounting criticism over long wait times for new connections and transformer replacements, a challenge partly blamed on supply chain delays.
