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A house committee has given the directors of a Swiss firm, SICPA SA, two weeks to appear before it to shed light on the multi-billion shilling excise stamp project.

The committee on Finance and Planning chaired by Molo MP Kuria Kimani (pictured) told the directors to appear on August 15 to shed light to the Excisable Goods Management System (EGMS).
“We have given the directors two weeks that is August 15 to come and shed light over this matter,” said Kuria.

Kuria explained that they have invited the firm as the matter in question touches on revenue collection, especially now that the courts have allowed the implementation of Finance Act which outlines the measures the government will use to raise revenues.

According to him the committee is seeking to establish the total number of excise stamps that have so far been supplied to date as well as how SICPA costs the stamps.

In addition, he said the committee is also seeking to establish what necessitated the termination of the contract awarded to SICPA in October 2015 yet the contract was a five-year contract that was to run up to 2015.

He said: “The committee wishes to be briefed on what were the distinctive features of the two addendums to the 2015 contract? Were there similarities in the quantities of EGMS stamps and costs? What happens to the equipment installed by the SICPA once the current contract comes to an end?”
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap told the chair to give the firm more time to appear as they did not snub previous invitations from the committee.

“Mr Chair this people have written to us explaining that they will not be available it is only prudent that we give them more time,” he said.

The decision of the committee comes after SICPA SA Chief Commercial Officer Gianni Santoro wrote to the committee requesting that their meeting be rescheduled to September 2 as they are currently committed.

“SICPA SA confirm that its officers are ready, able and willing to address any queries the esteemed committee has raised. I Gianni Santoro conform my availability as the Chief Commercial officer to appear before as directed, the earliest I would be available is the second half of September 2023,” he said.