Authorities Raid Nairobi Clinic Claiming to Sell Coronavirus Test Kits for Sh3,000

Police and officials from Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDB) on Monday raided a Nairobi-based clinic claiming to sell coronavirus (Covid-19) test kits.

Avanè Cosmetic-Dermatology Clinic and Medical Spa, located at Yaya Centre, was raided after an advert claiming it was selling the kits for Sh3,000 each emerged on social media.

During the operation, 11 people working at the clinic were arrested for questioning over the matter.

In the advert, the clinic claimed it had a stock of 1,000 testing kits but only 400 were remaining after selling 600 of them. It urged members of the public to hurry and make orders as the stock was quickly depleting. It claimed the kits give test results in 15 minutes.

"COVID-19 rapid test kits. Self-test for early diagnosis and awareness. Place an order and avoid hospital ques or crowds," read a flyer issued by the clinic.

But the clinic’s management said they were yet to order for any of the testing kits.

On Sunday, President Kenyatta warned anyone found taking advantage of the Covid-19 crisis will be arrested and prosecuted. Kenya has so far confirmed three cases of the illness.