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Former National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Director General Paul Kosgei has been arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption court over the Ksh5.3 million scandal.

In a statement on Wednesday June 5, 2024, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) pointed out that the former Director General was charged with abuse of office.

ODPP detailed charges of conferring a benefit of Ksh5388,410.69 to Xponics Limited by authorizing payments to the said company in respect of tender for the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, training, service, maintenance and repair of sewing and training machines were levelled against Kosgei.

“Prosecution Counsel Jeremiah Walusala informed the court that the accused allegedly committed the offence between 31st January and March 29, 2019 within the Republic of Kenya,” ODPP’s statement read in part.

However, the former NITA Director General pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against him before Justice Zipporah Gichana.

Following his plea, Kosgei was granted a Ksh3 million bond with a surety of a similar amount or a Ksh1 million cash bail alternative.

Conditions for release

Before releasing the former NITA Director General, he was ordered to deposit his passport at the registry in a bid to stop him from fleeing the country.

Additionally, Kosgei was directed not to interfere with witnesses lined up in the case.

His arraignment comes days after Stephen Ogenga, the National Training Authority’s embattled Director General was charged. Ogenga was charged alongside, Xponics Limited, James Waweru and Sheila Wambui Nyakinyua.

ODPP noted that they were charged with abuse of office and fraudulent accusation of public property worth Ksh10 million.

“Kosgei’s arraignment comes three days after Stephen Ogenga, the National Training Authority’s embattled Director General was charged alongside, Xponics Limited, James Waweru and Sheila Wambui Nyakinyua for abuse of office and fraudulent accusation of public property respectively, to wit Ksh10,189, 064.69.

“Ogenga is accused of presenting a falsified bid to ensure an unfair advantage in respect of tender No.NITA/12/2017-201, for supply ,delivery ,installation ,commissioning,training, servicing, maintenance and repair of sewing and training machines for the financial year 2017 and 2018,” ODPP explained.

The matter will be mentioned on June 18, 2024 for pre-trial. The pre-trial will help the prosecution team determine the course of the case.

The Former Director General is also expected to present his defence over the charges.

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