Lobby wants House, EACC to probe Kemsa in Corona supply deal
An anti-corruption and governance institution now wants the National Assembly’s Committee on Health to investigate suspected cases of procurement irregularities at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa).
Network Action Against Corruption (NAAC) through its chief executive Godwin Agutu has asked the committee to collaborate with EACC in their investigations to curb loss of public funds.
“The National Assembly should quickly conclude investigations and make public its report since the matters are of public interest and touching on public funds,” said Agutu in a press statement yesterday.
NAAC said they obtained intelligence from Kemsa, Public Procurement Review Authority, audited accounts reports, suppliers financial statements and Auditor General on misuse and pilferage of funds meant to enhance prevention of spread of Covid-19.
Agutu claims reports of fleecing at Kemsa started when cartels tendered to supply face masks fetched at Sh1,800 to be sold to Kemsa at Sh4,000.
“The actual price could be Sh600 translating to an average of Sh50 per mask, the contract awarded to some Asian supplier,” he alleged.
He says attempts to investigate the matter were resisted by influential government officers.
“NAAC is ready to collaborate evidence or reports in its possession to EACC for quicker action,” he said.
A fortnight ago, the House team indicated it was investigating the construction of a Sh3.2 billion modern warehouse and companies that were awarded tenders to supply of Covid-19 materials.
Committee chair Sabina Chege told the House she had requested the Ministry of Health to provide relevant documentation on the dealings at Kemsa.
On June 23, EACC officers stormed Kemsa offices and carted away documents over suspected procurement irregularities linked to the construction of the warehouse.
EACC boss Twalib Mbarak wrote to Kemsa chief executive Jonah Mwangi on June 18 seeking to have tender advertising notices, bank tender documents, all bids submitted, tender opening minutes, list of bidders and individual tender evaluation score sheets.
