Stephen Sibalile,Chairman Bungoma Contractors.
By I.P. reporter.
Contractors in Bungoma County have expressed outrage after the online tendering system for the Department of Trade and Industry was prematurely shut down, denying many bidders a chance to submit their documents.
The tender, advertised by the department, indicated that submissions would remain open until Thursday, November 21, at 11 a.m.
However, the IFMIS system was reportedly closed at noon today, a full day before the deadline.
Reuben Wambwa, the Chief Officer under the department of Trade in Bungoma County, has come under fire for his silence on the issue.
Contractors claim he has been dismissive, stating that he is not responsible for procurement.
Adding his voice to the growing discontent, Stephen Sibalile, Chairman of the Bungoma Contractors Association, said he had also experienced similar issues in the past.
He alleged that the system might have been hacked by interested staff within the trade department, calling it a deliberate move to lock out genuine bidders.
“This is against procurement procedures as outlined in the Procurement Act. Interfering with the IFMIS system is both unethical and illegal,” Sibalile stated.
He called on Bungoma Governor Kennedy Lusaka to intervene and restore integrity to the tendering process.
Sibalile further requested an addendum to extend the tender submission deadline, ensuring all bidders have an equal opportunity to participate.
“The IFMIS system’s closure has disadvantaged many contractors who were ready to submit their bids. An addendum will accommodate their interests and uphold fairness,” he said.
He urged the department of trade in Bungoma county to ensure transparency prevails, allowing all contractors to submit their bids without interference from unknown quarters.
“The system must operate fairly and transparently, as prescribed in law, to maintain public confidence in the procurement process,” he added.
Contractors maintain that once a submission deadline is advertised, the system should remain operational until the stated time.
They have vowed to seek legal redress if immediate action is not taken.
“If the chief officer does not intervene, we will file a lawsuit against the county government tomorrow,” one contractor warned.
Efforts to reach Chief Officer Wambwa for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.
Governor Lusaka is now being called upon to ensure the matter is addressed promptly to avoid legal battles with contractors as well as save the county’s reputation .
Ends.
