IEBC Admits Tender Error and Corrects It
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has acknowledged a mistake in its tender for a new elections management system and confirmed that corrective steps are under way.
Officials said the original documents incorrectly demanded performance security equal to 20 per cent of the contract price, even though the law limits such security to a maximum of 10 per cent. An addendum is now being prepared to align the requirement with the legal ceiling.
The tender for the Integrated Elections Management System was advertised on August 11 and has since drawn formal objections. While accepting the performance-security error, the commission has firmly rejected broader claims that the process is flawed, discriminatory or written to benefit any particular firm. It maintains that the remaining specifications remain fair and fully compliant with procurement rules.
Commission representatives have also defended the fixed tender security of 30 million shillings, explaining that the procurement is structured as a framework contract and that the law permits an absolute figure rather than a percentage of estimated value. They further pointed to a 40 per cent local-content obligation designed to encourage domestic participation and skills transfer once a successful bidder is selected.
A challenge lodged by Galadirel Investments Limited alleges material omissions, contradictions and incomplete provisions that, according to the applicant, make it difficult for bidders to prepare comparable offers and may breach constitutional standards on public procurement. The company argues that the absence of a stated tender value alongside the high security demand creates additional uncertainty. The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board is expected to rule on the matter within 21 days.
The electoral body has asked the board to dismiss the application and lift the temporary suspension so that the process can continue. By admitting the single error and moving swiftly to correct it while standing by the rest of the tender, the commission seeks to demonstrate both accountability and a determination to keep preparations for future elections on track.
