Alex Samanyanga
Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta has disbanded the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) board on allegations of failing to oversee the operations of the management in the procurement of Covid-19 items, which saw the country losing millions.
The board also faces charges of releasing ARVs that were phased out due and caused adverse side effects on patients.
In some cases tenders were given to companies that had been in existence only for a few weeks.
In other instances Covid-19 PPEs was supplied to Kemsa at what is claimed to be hugely inflated prices , sometimes as high as three times the current market rate.
In August last year Kenya health workers went on strike over poor working conditions and lack of supplies.
Some took to social media to show the sub-standard gloves and face shields that had been distributed by the Government.
In a Gazette notice issued on April 28 2021 Uhuru Kenyatta appointed a new Board for the Kemsa.
In Zimbabwe in similar circumstances in February 2021 the Country’s Vice President who is also Minister of Health Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga fired NatPharm Board officials over Covid-19 tender scam.
They were accused of pushing the granting of tenders to companies they have interests in.
In July 2020 President Mnangagwa fired then Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo on charges for inappropriate conduct by a public official.
Moyo was arrested and charged with criminal abuse of office over the awarding of a $60m contract to a company Drax international that allegedly sold supplies to the government at inflated prices.
The deal was concluded without the approval of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.
A representative of Drax International, Delish Nguwaya is facing charges in connection with the contract.
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