Unicef, transport company locked in a legal tussle

By Judy Ogutu

United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and a transport company are locked in a legal tussle over alleged non-payment of dues amounting about Sh80 million.

Tanad Transporters Limited, which claims to have been contracted by the UN agency to transport relief services within East and Central Africa, claims the UN body owes it US$ 1,000,199.

In a claim filed at the Milimani Commercial Courts, the firm alleges they have had normal business relationship until September 2006 when Unicef suspended their services without any notice.

In an affidavit, Tanad’s Managing Director alleges that there were also no complaints from major beneficiaries of their services being Unicef DR Congo, Burundi and Uganda who had earlier commended their good performance.

Tanad wants Unicef compelled to submit to Arbitration or in alternative granted go-ahead to commence a suit against the respondent.

The company claims it has rendered good services for transportation of humanitarian relief supplies for internally displaced people on behalf of Unicef Kenya, Uganda, D. R Congo, Rwanda and Burundi for the last seven years.