This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
Published on June 29, 2020, Kenyan MPs have rejected a National Treasury proposal to allocate Sh1.5 billion for Covid-19 testing kits and chemical reagents, potentially exacerbating the country's coronavirus testing crisis.
The MPs, who had earlier ring-fenced their annual budget from Treasury cuts, cited ongoing investigations into the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) for buying substandard reagents and personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers.
Kenya has struggled with unprocessed tests due to global shortages and slow allocation of funds to tackle the pandemic. The Treasury had suggested diverting part of the Sh3 billion allocation for three national referral hospitals and select county referral hospitals to Kemsa.
John Mbadi, the Leader of Minority in the National Assembly, stated, 'We rejected the reallocation of Sh3 billion because we had ring-fenced it to specific hospitals. This money was part of the budget of Parliament, which we were magnanimous to cede to help hospitals respond to the pandemic.'
The Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) also rejected the Treasury's attempt to move Sh700 million from hospital funds to the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), which is being used as an isolation centre for Covid-19 patients.
Furthermore, the MPs rejected the Treasury's attempt to move Sh300 million from hospital funds for the purchase and supply of face masks to vulnerable groups.
