The government has strongly cautioned both contractors and public servants who use political connections to win government contracts unfairly.
During a two-day tour to inspect ongoing government-funded development projects on Saturday, July 19, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, raised serious concerns over a worrying trend where some contractors rely on political influence to avoid scrutiny while delivering poor-quality work.
Owalo emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate individuals who misuse their connections in power to interfere with public service delivery.
He announced that a tough crackdown is about to begin, targeting those involved in unethical practices, including conflicts of interest and meddling with procurement processes.
“We’re facing real obstacles in project implementation because some contractors are shielded by political ties or connected individuals within government.
Let me be clear—contract awards must strictly follow the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which does not recognize political connections or favoritism,” Owalo stated firmly.
He stressed that contractors must focus on performance and results—not on who they know. Those who hide behind powerful figures while doing shoddy or incomplete work will no longer be spared.
“If you’re given a government project, deliver quality—no matter who you are linked to politically. Knowing a politician will not save you,” Owalo warned.
He also issued a stern warning to civil servants found manipulating the procurement process for personal enrichment or to benefit their associates. According to Owalo, such actions directly hurt public service delivery and will be met with firm legal action.
“We are working closely with investigative agencies to make sure any public officers caught tampering with procurement systems are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
One of the key issues being addressed is the rampant practice of civil servants secretly owning or profiting from private companies that receive government tenders—a clear conflict of interest.
Public officials involved in such activities have been told to make a choice: either commit to public service or leave and pursue private business.
“We will not allow government workers to serve two masters. If you want to do business, step down from public office and enter the private sector,” Owalo concluded.
The statement, delivered at the Public Service Commission House, signals a renewed push by the government to clean up the public procurement system and restore integrity, efficiency, and transparency in the delivery of government projects.
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