MOGADISHU, Somalia — The World Bank has barred Kenyan technology company Webmasters Kenya Limited from bank-financed projects for at least five years following an investigation.
The investigation examined procurement processes linked to two World Bank-funded projects in Somalia, where the bank found alleged fraudulent and deceptive practices.
The bank said Webmasters Kenya Limited and official James Ayugi falsely claimed two key experts were available for contracts under the projects.
The company also used the experts’ résumés without authorization, the World Bank said, identifying this practice as part of its findings.
The case involved the Somalia Core Economic Institutions and Opportunities Project, known as SCORE, and the SCALED-UP digital development project in Somalia.
The projects support economic development, digital services and employment opportunities, while strengthening Somalia’s institutional and economic capacity through World Bank financing.
The SCORE project received 330,000 contract to develop automated systems supporting business services in Somalia.
The World Bank said the company and Ayugi also failed to fully respond to requests for documents and information during investigations.
After reviewing the findings, the World Bank’s Sanctions Board barred Webmasters Kenya Limited and Ayugi from World Bank operations.
The ban will last at least five years, restricting the company and Ayugi from participating in World Bank-financed activities during this period.
During the sanction period, Ayugi cannot serve as a subcontractor, consultant, service provider or beneficiary on World Bank-financed projects.
The World Bank said the sanctions decision will be shared with other international financial institutions participating in its cross-debarment agreement.
Those institutions will assess whether to apply similar restrictions to Webmasters Kenya Limited and Ayugi within their own operations.