Uhuru Breaks Silence on Covid-19 Funds Scandal at Kemsa

President Kenyatta has broken his silence on the alleged embezzlement of Covid-19 funds at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa).

Uhuru while addressing the nation from State House on Wednesday ordered a speedy investigation into the matter and asked State investigative agencies to conclude the probe within 21 days.

“Following the allegations of impropriety at KEMSA, the relevant investigative agencies of our country are currently fully seized with the matter. However, given the compelling public interest in the matter the relevant agencies should expedite their ongoing investigations and conclude the same within 21 days from the date hereof,” said Uhuru.

He further assured the nation that anyone found culpable in the alleged fraudulent procurement schemes will face the full force of the law regardless of their social status.

Initial investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed that senior Kemsa officials flouted procurement procedures in the award of the multi-billion-shilling tenders for the supply of Covid-19 equipment to some companies. Some of the companies were in operation for less than six months and won tenders without providing credible financial records.

It is alleged that individuals pocketed millions of shillings by supplying Covid-19 equipment to Kemsa at inflated prices. 

For example, Kemsa is said to have procured more than 1.8 million KN95 masks at a cost of Sh700 per piece, which is nearly double the Sh450 market price on the higher side.

Disposable three-ply surgical masks were allegedly procured at Sh90 per piece against the market price of Sh50 while personal protective equipment (PPE) was acquired at Sh9,000 per set as opposed to Sh4,500 on the market.

Kemsa CEO Jonah Mwangi was this month suspended alongside Charles Juma (Head of Procurement) and Eliud Mureithi (Commercial Director) to pave the way for investigations into the matter.