The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is expected to spend K5.46 billion on security services over the next two years after announcing its intention to award contracts to three firms.
A public notice published in the local media shows that the contracts cover MRA offices across all regions.
Masters Security has secured two contracts worth over K3.4 billion to provide services at the Blantyre Cluster at K1.23 billion and the Central Cluster at K2.18 billion.
Kamu Guard Services has been awarded a K897.5 million contract for the Southern and Eastern clusters, while Iringa Security Services will provide services to the Northern Cluster at a cost of K1.14 billion.
The announcement has prompted comments on public platforms, with some sections of society questioning the amounts quoted and the choice of companies for service provision.
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Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director Willy Kambwandira described the planned spending as excessive at a time when the nation is experiencing fiscal pressure.
“This reflects skewed priorities and raises questions about value for money. Awarding such lucrative contracts to companies linked to senior government officials presents a clear conflict of interest, regardless of whether procurement rules were followed,” Kambwandira said.
He called on MRA to be transparent, adding that the contracts should be subjected to strict scrutiny to avoid waste or patronage.
National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe also said the amount was significant and required proper justification.
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“Security is important, but such spending must be weighed against priorities like health, education and social protection. Every kwacha must show value for money,” Kondowe said.
He urged MRA to consider cost-saving measures, including technology-based security and regular contract reviews.
On the other hand, economist Marvin Banda said although the figure appears high, it represents a small share of MRA’s overall budget.
“MRA’s total operating expenditure in FY2024/25 was about K108 billion, with administrative and operating costs at K55.8 billion. Security spending therefore accounts for roughly 2.5 percent of total costs and nearly five percent of administrative expenses,” Banda said.
However, he reiterated the need to balance security costs with investment in technology that improves revenue collection and reduces leakage.
Banda also called for stronger controls on public spending and greater transparency, including quarterly publication of awarded contracts by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) office.
“The current macroeconomic performance has meant that public resources are under the greatest scrutiny even for budgeted spending, but this does not mean every transaction is fraudulent. The issue points to weaknesses in budget planning and oversight,” he said.
When contacted for further details, MRA Head of Corporate Affairs Wilma Chalulu said the contracts have not yet been awarded.
Chalulu said the notice serves to inform bidders and the general public of the authority’s intention to award the contracts in accordance with the requirements of the PPDA’s legal framework.
She added that the notice forms part of the ongoing procurement and evaluation process for the awarding of the contracts.
“The publication of the intention to award is a deliberate transparency measure intended to provide an opportunity for any bidders who may have concerns or have noted irregularities in the process to come forward for MRA to address before the contracts are formally awarded,” Chalulu said.
She added that the procurement was conducted through Open Tender National Competitive Bidding, with a tender that was duly advertised in two newspapers of national circulation on November 12, 2025 and ran for a period of three weeks.
