The African Development Bank (AfDB) has blacklisted a Kenyan IT firm for three years for abuse of office.
According to AfDB, Express Automation Limited was involved in fraudulence acts, a company which has undertaken several multi-million shilling projects.
“The African Development Bank Group, on 7 October 2021, announces the 36-month debarment of Express Automation Limited with effect from 18 August 2021. Express Automation Limited is a limited liability company registered under the laws of the Republic of Kenya,” said AfDB in a statement.
An investigation conducted by the Bank’s Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption established that Express Automation Limited engaged in fraudulent practices during a tender for the Technical Security Upgrade to the Bank’s Eastern Africa Regional Centre.
Consequences of debarment mean that for three years from October 7, 2021, Automation Limited and its affiliates will be ineligible to participate in Bank Group-financed projects.
The blacklisting also means that other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions could use AfDB decision.
These institutions include the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank Group.
Also Read:
- AfDB signs agreement with Cameroon to construct ring road in restive Anglophone region
- AfDB launches a Ksh.49.9 billion Kangaroo Social Bond
- Lamu Coal Power Project in limbo after AfDB holds back funding
“Express Automation Limited will only be eligible to resume participation in AfDB-financed projects after it implements an integrity compliance program consistent with the Bank’s guidelines.”
The Technical Security Upgrade was aimed at upgrading the existing security system in the Bank’s Eastern Africa Regional Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Express Automation said in an earlier interview its main clients are not only multinationals but also small and medium enterprises across the EAC region.
AfDB recently banned another Kenyan firm Rockey Africa Limited and its affiliates including Aerospace Aviation, Eva-Top Agencies, Sony Commercial Agencies, Beta Trading Company, and Madujey Global Services over fraud.
