Intense lobbying could delay construction of Mombasa terminal

Intense lobbying over award of tenders at the Mombasa port in Kenya is threatening to delay construction of the second container terminal which is funded by the Japanese government.


According to officials at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), some individuals who are connected to the firms that tendered for the job have been accused of lobbying for award of the multi-million dollar tender, even as the process awaits completion by the Japan Ports Consultants Limited (JPC).


The Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) said it was concerned about the manner of cancellation of some government tender processes, which ended up costing concerned parties millions of shillings besides scaring away investors.


The award of the tender is expected to be announced soon since the winner should start the job by next month, according to KPA. The project involves construction of two container handling berths and a smaller berth for pilots, mooring and tug boats.
(Source:http://www.transportweekly.com)