This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Kenya: Kagwe - I'll Dismantle Afya House Cartels ¶
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has vowed to disband a cartel that has hampered efforts to fight corruption in the Ministry of Health.
Speaking to the Nation on Monday, Mr. Kagwe questioned why some employees who are transferred to other departments go to court to challenge their deployment.
"You have gone to court because you do not want to be moved from your seat, what is so important in this seat? You are still in the ministry and not a sweeper somewhere. Why go to court?" he posed.
Mr. Kagwe also cited a case in which a stranger walked into the ministry's board room, struck a deal, and signed a contract.
"Where on earth except in the movies does something like this happen," he posed.
He said he had witnessed many strange happenings at Afya House and vowed to dismantle the cartels.
"Few individuals will not stop the reform process in the ministry," he said.
Mr. Kagwe also spoke about his experience taking over the Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This has been a very steep blind curve, day and night, and no time to relax," he said.
He also talked about the importance of discipline in society and how Kenyans have been creative in using humor to cope with the pandemic.
"If you can't beat them join them," he said.
Mr. Kagwe also spoke about his plans to address the health concerns of Kenyans post the pandemic, including mitigating the impact of diseases such as cancer and HIV.
