This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
June 21, 2020
Health Ministry Must Root Out Corruption ¶
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe's promise to rid the ministry of corruption seems hollow in light of recent events. A few weeks ago, Kagwe publicly declared that his ministry is infested with corruption, but it appears that little has changed.
Kenya received a significant donation from billionaire Jack Ma in March, consisting of 100,000 face masks and 20,000 testing kits. However, it has now been revealed that the aid was stolen from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and never reached the Health ministry or benefited Kenyans.
The theft of the medical aid is a shocking example of the level of corruption and impunity within the ministry and the country. The ease with which individuals were able to clear the goods and steal them raises serious questions about the security systems and protocols in place at the airport.
We demand a thorough investigation into this scandal, and for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to take swift action against those responsible. The suspects must be held accountable for their actions, and the ministry must be held to account for its failure to prevent the theft.
The frequency of corruption and theft within the Health ministry is alarming, and it undermines Kenya's potential to secure further assistance in the fight against COVID-19. It is time for the ministry to take concrete action to root out corruption and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
