This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
As Kenya grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health has introduced strict regulations to combat the spread of the disease. One of the key measures is the mandatory use of face masks, with individuals who fail to comply risking arrest and prosecution.
However, the implementation of this regulation has been marred by concerns over the affordability and accessibility of quality masks. The lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes a standard face mask has left the public in the dark, with many resorting to grabbing whatever they can to avoid the wrath of police officers.
Textile companies have been mass-producing masks, but it remains to be seen whether the regulations will come into effect before the masks are distributed. The distribution process is also likely to be plagued by corruption, as evidenced by recent cases in Bungoma and Busia counties.
In Bungoma, the county government was accused of buying jerry cans at inflated prices, while in Busia, officials were found to have procured wheelbarrows for $1,000 apiece. The cases highlight the need for checks and balances to prevent irregular and illegal transactions, particularly during times of crisis.
As Executive Director of Siasa Place, Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, pointed out, 'The problem is not necessarily lack of regulations. We always have regulations. The issue begins when there is lack of checks and balances, where people bypass processes and authorise transactions that are irregular and illegal.'
Wako-Ojiwa's words are a stark reminder that, despite the calls for patriotism and unity, there are those in positions of influence who are more concerned with lining their pockets than providing quality and affordable services to the public.
As the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, it is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to prevent the wastage of public resources through inflated procurement. The choice between life and death in these uncertain times is not just a matter of individual responsibility, but also a collective one that requires the government to act with integrity and transparency.
