Up your game to claim lucrative contracts, says Infrastructure PS

Infrastructure Principal Secretary John Mosonik has defended the Government against accusations that local contractors are left out in the award of tenders for road construction.

There has been an uproar over competition with foreigners, with a group of local contractors calling on the Government to consider setting aside some contracts for locals.

However, Mr Mosonik said many companies that bid for tenders do not meet the minimum threshold set for qualification, hence are locked out of lucrative tenders. He cited the recent pre-qualification process for the development of 2,000km road network under the annuity financing model, where only 49 bidders out of 146 were selected after a competitive process.

He said many other contractors fell below the minimum requirements and could thus not be selected for the work. “The common reasons for non-qualification among applicants who failed to make it to the shortlist include inadequate turnover, cash flow requirements and lack of technical capacity and relevant experience,” he said.

Mosonik was speaking during a cocktail on Wednesday night hosted in his honour by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya in Nairobi.

Technical varsities

Mosonik further challenged engineering training institutions to offer courses that meet the standards required in the job market. This came as those in attendance complained that universities and technical colleges offering the courses are not producing tailor-made professionals.

“We have institutions that don’t meet the strict kind of minimum requirements, leading to a mismatch in what is required in the industry,” he said.

The PS further said most engineers focus on money rather than quality, noting the ministry cannot compromise on quality and standards as Kenyans expect value for public funds spent on projects.

Rarieda MP Nicolas Gumbo blamed upcoming technical universities for watering the quality of training.  Mhandisi Sacco Chairman Johnson Matu complained that local contractors are competing with experienced ‘giants’, hence losing out on lucrative contracts. “Locals are midgets when it comes to competing with foreigners. State should set aside some work for them and be committed to ensure there are joint ventures with foreign contractors,” said Matu.