This archive report was first published on 23 August 2020.
Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa) has been at the center of corruption allegations following the procurement of Covid-19 equipment. However, the opposition leader Raila Odinga-led ODM party has dismissed these claims, stating that they are sensational but lack basis.
ODM party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said that claims of misappropriation of funds can only be ascertained after an audit by the Office of the Auditor-General is carried out. He emphasized that the party will continue to raise concerns surrounding the expenditure of the Covid-19 fund without unnecessary hubris.
Claims of graft have rocked the agency, with reports suggesting millions meant to purchase Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were misappropriated. The agency's board has been dragged into the multi-billion irregular procurement of medical supplies.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Global Fund have threatened to withdraw up to Sh400 billion earmarked to support HIV/AIDs, Tuberculosis, and Malaria over reports of alleged corruption.
On August 21, 2020, the Senate Joint Committee on Health and the Ad-hoc Committee on Covid-19 Situation Co-chair Michael Mbito met with KEMSA officials at County Hall, Nairobi, to discuss the alleged procurement irregularities.
