The central bank will now be able to proceed with the printing and supply of new generation bank notes after the Court of Appeal ruled on the case that challenged elements of the High Court’s decision of 9th April 2018, relating to the issuance of new generation bank notes.
The new currency printing tender had been in contention following activist Okiya Omtatah’s petition seeking to stop the bank from using current notes in circulation and be forced to print the new ones.
Crane AB, a multinational Swedish firm, had also accused CBK of collision in putting up a determined defence to award De La Rue the new currency tender. Crane AB, which claims to be the lowest bidder, claimed the tender would cost Kenyans Sh800 million more if awarded to long-time money printers De La Rue.
However, the ruling now clears the way for the central bank which had challenged the decision at the Appeals Court.
In a statement, the lender said that entire procurement process (pre-qualification, design, printing and supply of the new currency) was conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the applicable laws.
’’The preference margin of 15 per cent was properly applied by CBK in the evaluation of the bid that was placed by De La Rue International Limited. In addition, the application for preferential treatment and subcontracting was properly made by the successful bidder and there was no bar to sub-contracting.’’ The CBK said.
Adding that, ‘’ this legal challenge was the final hurdle that was stopping CBK from issuing the new generation bank notes. CBK will now reassess the timeline for the issuance of these bank notes and will proceed with all due haste. CBK will continue this process in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws.’’
