On March 8, 2022, the World Bank Group announced the 24-month debarment of Kenya-based Burhani Engineers Ltd. for engaging in fraudulent practices in connection with the Energy for Rural Transformation III Project in Uganda, a project designed to increase access to electricity in Uganda’s rural areas. According to the World Bank, Burhani Engineers misrepresented its prior experience in multiple World Bank submissions in order to secure contracts under the project – an act that constitutes a fraudulent practice under World Bank procurement guidelines.
The World Bank reports that Burhani Engineers received a reduced period of debarment for its cooperation and voluntary remediation efforts. The World Bank further reports that the debarment qualifies for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks. As part of the settlement, Burhani Engineers admitted that it was culpable for the alleged fraudulent practices and is ineligible to participate in projects and operations financed by World Bank institutions throughout the debarment period. However, as a condition for release from debarment, the company agreed to develop and implement an integrity compliance program that reflects principles approved by the World Bank. Burhani Engineers also agreed to fully cooperate with World Bank investigators.