The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is facing questions over the unprocedural procurement of a reception desk worth KES 2.08 million, raising concerns about potential violations of Kenya’s public procurement laws.
According to an audit report, the purchase was part of the Fund’s KES 36.3 million furniture additions listed under property, plant, and equipment for the 2023/2024 financial year. The reception desk was procured under quotation number NSSF/RFQ-44/2023-2024 and awarded to a supplier on December 5, 2023.
However, a review of procurement documents revealed that the same committee was responsible for both opening and evaluating the quotations—a clear breach of Section 78(1) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015. The law mandates the appointment of a separate tender opening committee comprising at least three members, including at least one individual not directly involved in the evaluation process.
In addition, no quotation evaluation minutes were made available for audit review, further contravening procurement regulations and raising transparency concerns.
The findings cast doubt on the integrity of the procurement process and could prompt further investigation into compliance and accountability at the Fund.
