Two major donors have threatened to withdraw their support for Covid-19 fund following damning graft reports in the media and from the investigating agencies on Kemsa.
The estimated amount that the country will lose is sh 400 billion
Our sources have it that, the donors have written to the government expressing concerns over the media reports on misappropriation of Covid-19 funds.
The fund is a donation from the USAID and the global fund meant to boost the fight against Covid -19
However, the net effect of the withdrawal would affect direct beneficiaries like Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria fight which draw support from the donors.
KEMSA has enjoyed the sole privilege to procure medical equipment drugs and all health related material on behalf of all government facilities.
Pressure is mounting on the government to change the act and allow other entities to into the procurement process.
The council of governors through their chair have waved in asking the National government to allow counties to source otherwise.We should be allowed to buy from anyone as long as they are competitive. We have agencies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards, which should ensure everything counties buy is of good quality and meets required standards to enable them (counties) to adequately respond to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Council of Governors Chair Wycliffe Oparanya stated,
However, the scandal has now claimed three directors at Kemsa, with the CEO John Manjari alongside finance and procurement directors being suspended.
Ps ministry of health Mochache is also fighting claims of influencing tenders and procurements at KEMSA as alleged by two members of parliament, Godfrey Osotsi Allego Usonga MP Hon atadi
