Multi-Billion Vehicle Inspection Deal Exposed as Japanese Firms Face Charges

Jukwaa

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The suspects, associated with two Japanese inspection companies, are facing 40 procurement fraud charges before the Milimani Law Courts over bids submitted for KEBS pre-export vehicle inspection tenders between 2014 and 2022.

Prosecutors allege the accused used forged documents and other fraudulent means to secure the lucrative contracts.

According to the prosecution, the alleged irregularities include forged academic certificates, the listing of non-existent inspection centres, concealment of corporate ownership, use of a shell company, and representation by an advocate who was not licensed to practice law.

📌 What You Need to Know

Under KEBS regulations, every used vehicle destined for Kenya must undergo inspection t o confirm it complies with the country's import requirements.

Inspectors verify the vehicle's chassis number, confirm it is no more than eight years old, ensure it is right-hand drive, and assess its roadworthiness by examining critical components such as the brakes, steering system, tyres, lights and overall structural condition.

Only vehicles that meet the required standards are issued a Certificate of Roadworthiness, without which they cannot be shipped to Kenya.

The programme was introduced in 2005 to prevent unsafe and substandard vehicles from entering the local market.

For nearly two decades, KEBS has relied on private inspection firms operating in other countries of car export to conduct these assessments on its behalf.

The current prosecution follows years of concerns surrounding the procurement process, with a 2019 special audit by the Auditor-General questioning claims made by one of the Japanese companies regarding the number of inspection centres it operated in Japan and the United Kingdom.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke

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