Contractor Demands 7.8 Million Ksh Payment for Renovations from Tech Plain Linked to Leading Kenyan Betting Firm; Legal Battle Looms
In a dramatic turn of events, Kevin Ambani, a Nairobi interior designs technician, has taken a stand against Tech Plain, a technology company associated with a prominent Kenyan betting firm, demanding payment for office renovations that he completed over two years ago. Ambani, who was subcontracted by Inform Creative Interiors Limited, an interior design and architecture company, to carry out the interior fittings at Tech Plain’s offices in Nairobi, claims that the company has refused to settle the outstanding fees amounting to 7.8 million Ksh.
Represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, Ambani has issued a demand letter to Inform Creative Interiors Limited, urging them to make the payment within seven days or face legal action. The delay in payment has not only affected Ambani but has also resulted in a Gikomba Market trader initiating legal proceedings against him for allegedly obtaining goods under false pretenses.
Ambani asserts that his contract with Inform Creative Interiors Limited, headed by Martin Kyumba, is legally binding, and he insists on receiving full payment before taking any further legal action against Kyumba himself. While Tech Plain and Inform Creative Interiors Limited may have their own payment disputes, Ambani emphasizes that he fulfilled his contractual obligations and used his own funds to complete the work since March 1, 2021. Despite his efforts to engage with them, Tech Plain has refused to settle the outstanding amount.
Documents obtained reveal that Ambani’s Brafel Engineering Systems received an award letter from Kyumba in November 2019, and the renovation work was successfully completed. However, out of the agreed total sum of 19 million Ksh, only 13 million Ksh has been paid to Ambani, leading to his inability to pay his suppliers.
When approached for a response, the management of Tech Plain resorted to threats against the media team for contacting Ambani and even harassed Ambani himself for speaking to the press.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Ambani faced legal charges on February 23, 2023, at the Makadara Law Courts, where he was accused of obtaining building materials worth 826,050 Ksh under false pretenses from Naomi Nyokabi.
The demand letter from lawyer Danstan Omari to Inform Creative Interiors Limited, copied to Techplain Solutions Limited, states the contractual obligation and the outstanding payment of 7.8 million Ksh. It warns that if the payment is not made within seven days, Ambani will exercise his right to collect the equipment and materials used in the project with the assistance of law enforcement from the OCS, Parklands police station.
The letter also demands that Inform Creative Interiors Limited provide a plan for settling the arrears within the specified timeframe, cautioning that failure to comply will result in legal action being taken without further notice.
In a frustrated tone, Ambani stated, “I am now considering storming the Tech Plain offices and removing the materials I installed in the office if I do not receive my payment.”
As the dispute escalates, a legal battle looms over the unpaid dues, putting both Tech Plain and Inform Creative Interiors Limited under scrutiny for their handling of financial obligations and contractual agreements.
