Mary Wambui-linked firm changed ownership as it pursued Sh20bn State tenders
A firm linked to Kenyan businesswoman Mary Wambui has undergone significant ownership and name changes while pursuing billions in government contracts. Critics allege these frequent structural shifts are designed to obscure potential conflicts of interest involving political figures.
Why it matters
It highlights concerns regarding transparency and potential corruption in public procurement processes involving politically connected individuals.
Businesswoman Mary Wambui’s preferred vehicle for State tenders has undergone several changes to its name, boardroom and shareholding amid its pursuit of nearly Sh20 billion worth of government contracts over the past two years.
Nightigale (E.A) Limited has since rebranded from Nightigale Enterprises Limited, even as Ms Wambui, once its majority shareholder, exited the company together with her daughter within two years of the tycoon joining public service.
Ms Wambui, an ally of President William Ruto, was co-opted into government after Kenya Kwanza won the August 2022 General Election.
The company went on to win public contracts worth at least Sh6.8 billion, even as it underwent a series of changes to its ownership and boardroom.
In some instances, it disclosed different shareholders for contracts awarded on the same day, according to the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP), the government's official online public procurement database.
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