This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
On June 16, 2020, Kenya's health ministry faced intense scrutiny over the misuse of Covid-19 donations.
Medical equipment worth $2m (£1.6m), donated by the Chinese government, had gone missing, sparking an investigation by local authorities.
The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) included surgical masks, protective suits, isolation gowns, and thermometers.
According to an investigation by local TV station KTN News, a private company working with government officials and Chinese businessmen in Kenya had laid claim to the donation when it arrived in the country.
The company then donated part of the stolen supplies to other Kenyan government ministries.
Kenya has received millions of dollars from countries and organisations around the world to help in the fight against Coronavirus, including donations from Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and various European nations.
However, health workers in the country have complained of insufficient protective gear, testing kits, and reagents.
Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe admitted that there are “rogue elements” at the ministry’s headquarters and vowed to bring to justice all the perpetrators.
