KEMSA responds to claims of c*****s, mosquito nets theft
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has refuted claims that it is facing fresh integrity issues entailing the theft of condoms and mosquito nets worth millions.
In a statement on Thursday, March 17, 2022, KEMSA board said that the reports by a section of the media were untrue, which were based on the Global Fund Grants in the Republic of Kenya Audit Report.
"We note that the report covering January 2018 to April 2021 audit period articulates the Board's position and assessment of the Authority’s operating soundness as publicly declared last November. Media reports alluding and alleging that KEMSA has faced fresh integrity challenges are therefore untrue," the statement read in part.
The board revealed that in support of UHC, KEMSA in the last financial year procured Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) worth Ksh35.84 billion, and distributed to more than 11,500 health facilities.
"To ensure accountability, the Board has in the past ten months embraced information technology systems and is actively pursuing the end to end integration and rolled out the award-winning KEMSA Electronic Proof of Deliveries or e-POD App, that keeps track of deliveries to primary health facilities," added the statement.
The UN-backed Global Fund revealed that 908,000 mosquito nets, 1.1 million condoms and tuberculosis drugs worth Ks10 million had disappeared from KEMSA's warehouse.
The report also raised red flag on suspected fake suppliers demanding Ksh1.66 billion from KEMSA.
KEMSA however acknowledged that the report faulted its warehousing and distribution systems, which were found to be affecting traceability and accountability of commodities received and distributed. The audit showed that significant improvement is needed in internal controls and assurance over the procurement and supply chain.
"It also found that improvement is needed in financial management and controls for better accountability, and better absorption and utilization of investments such as the C19RM funds. Further, the message from the Global Fund Executive Director indicates that the Fund is committed to working with the government of Kenya and partners to address the key issues and risks identified under the audit," added KEMSA.
"To ensure accountability, the Board has in the past ten months embraced information technology systems and is actively pursuing the end to end integration and rolled out the award-winning KEMSA Electronic Proof of Deliveries or e-POD App, that keeps track of deliveries to primary health facilities."
KEMSA says that it has achieved a 65 percent progress rate against the targets set to be achieved by mid this year, aimed at achieving integrity.
