KeMSA CEO sacked over Covid 19 fraud

KEMSA CEO Jonah Manjari alongside director Eliud Murithi commercial department and Charles Njume who heads procurement section have been suspended following graft allegations that risked donor COVID 19 funds.

KEMSA board chairman Kembi Gitura had assured the public of action as they collaborate with investigating agencies EACC to unearth the rot at the institution.

“We are not going to protect anybody found culpable and any such persons shall face consequences,” board chair Kembi Gitura said, adding “we are not going to victimize innocent persons just because there has been public outcry.”

Edward Njuguna was appointed acting CEO. While acting operations director procurement will be Edward Buluma and George Walukame act as director commercials.

Kemsa, is mandated to procure drugs for all public health facilities in the country,

The institution finds itself in graft books after a damning report that showed massive inflations of Covid 19 related equipment’s

The report shows that KEMSA has been overcharging counties by up to 77 per cent for some essential drugs as it overrides on the monopoly of selling to all public health facilities.

Sources indicate that the institution procured N95 (1860) masks at an inflated price of Sh1,300 per piece while the was Sh700 market price, and ordered 5,000 pieces. They also bought KN95 masks at Sh700 per piece in disregard of the market price of Sh450, they ordered 1,836,400 masks.

Disposable surgical masks were procured at Sh90 per piece against the market price of Sh50.

Personal protective equipment was brought in at Sh9,000, double the market price of Sh4,500.

While appearing before senate health committee the On Tuesday at the start of investigations, the Kemsa boss, failed to provide documents sought by the panel prompting adjournment of the the inquiry.

Earlier the committee had written to the CEO demanding tender documents for procurement done between financial years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.

 The documents sort was submitted bids, tender opening minutes, tender evaluation minutes, due diligence reports, payment vouchers, contract agreements and inspection acceptable certificates.