Photo/courtesy.
Kenya Power has been given the go-ahead to proceed with its Sh1.2 billion tender for the supply of transformers after the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) dismissed complaints raised by two local manufacturers over the fairness of the process.
The decision, issued on April 29, 2025, allows the utility firm to continue with the procurement of 3,319 distribution transformers reserved for local manufacturers under Tender No. KP1/PA.3/RT/09/24-25.
Empower Transformers Ltd and Nairobi Transformers Manufacturers (E.A.) Co. Ltd had moved to the Board seeking to nullify the tender, claiming the 14-day delivery requirement was unreasonably short and allegedly intended to benefit suppliers with pre-stocked transformers.
They further accused Kenya Power of failing to notify all eligible bidders of a shift in procurement strategy.
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In its ruling, the Board found that Kenya Power had acted within the law, noting that the urgency of the procurement, driven by delays in budget disbursements and pressure from customers who had already paid for transformers, justified the 14-day delivery window.
“There was a consistent demonstration of urgency throughout the documents and communications provided,” the Board stated.
“The 14-day delivery period was neither discriminatory nor impractical under the circumstances.”
One of the applications, filed by Empower Transformers, was struck out due to a procedural oversight failure to name the KPLC Accounting Officer as a respondent.
The second application, from Nairobi Transformers Manufacturers, was dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence to support claims of discrimination or unlawful conduct.
With the legal hurdles now cleared, Kenya Power has been directed to proceed with the procurement to its conclusion.
The move is expected to improve transformer availability and address delays in power connections, which have triggered growing public frustration.
The ruling marks a win for Kenya Power amid rising scrutiny over service delivery and procurement transparency, as it works to expand and stabilize the country’s electricity distribution network.
