This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
On July 7, 2021, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on the Kenyan government to publish the names of individuals, senior government officials, and owners and shareholders of companies who benefited from funds meant to fight Covid-19.
At the launch of the funds, President Uhuru Kenyatta and the newly-appointed Health minister had warned that the funds had to be utilised for the purposes for which they were meant.
However, officials at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) colluded with high-ranking government officials, politicians, and cartels to steal Ksh2.3 billion ($21 million), according to a report by the Auditor-General.
The IMF's demand for transparency comes as the government has yet to prosecute the masterminds and beneficiaries of the heist, despite President Kenyatta's vow of quick action.
It remains to be seen whether the government will heed the IMF's call, given its current cash crunch.
As a Nairobi-based political commentator noted, 'Why do we have to wait for foreign governments or organisations to pressure us to do the right thing?'
