The Kenyan government has dismissed reports alleging that Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo's company, IMC, had secured a US$2.8 billion contract linked to a major infrastructure project in Nairobi.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura rejected the claims, which had circulated widely across regional media and sparked debate in political and business circles across Sub-Saharan Africa.
"The Government has taken note with serious concern reports appearing in sections of the media, particularly in the Standard newspaper," the statement read.
Clarifying the alleged involvement of the Zimbabwean company, the government said:
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"We wish to clarify that the company referred to in those reports did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role, involvement or association whatsoever with this project."
The statement maintained that the procurement process was being conducted transparently and stressed that the company in question "also are not part and parcel of the contractors who submitted bids to this tender."
It further noted that "all contractors were required to submit a legally binding disclosure of all parties in joint ventures and in none of them is the said entity part of."
The government criticised media organisations that carried the reports, saying they "owe Kenyans a higher duty of care not to intentionally or by carelessness misinform Kenyans."
Authorities urged the public to disregard the reports and "rely on official Government communication and verified information." They also warned media houses "against publishing such unverified information and invite them to retract their false reporting."
Despite the controversy, the Kenyan administration said it remains focused on implementing the project.
"The Government remains fully committed to delivering this landmark project in a transparent, competitive and accountable manner, ensuring value for public investment while positioning Kenya to remain the premier aviation hub of East Africa for generations to come," the statement read.
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