This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Jack Ma Threatens to Withdraw Covid-19 Aid to Kenya ¶
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma has threatened to withdraw Covid-19 aid to Kenya over corruption allegations linked to the distribution of medical supplies.
Ma's foundation has donated millions of dollars worth of medical supplies to Kenya, including test kits, masks, and ventilators, but allegations have emerged that some of the supplies have been diverted for personal gain.
According to sources, the Chinese embassy in Kenya is concerned about the allegations and has asked the Kenyan government to investigate.
Ma's foundation has donated a total of 500,000 test kits to Africa, with 50,000 of those kits going to Kenya. However, it is unclear how many of those kits have been distributed to hospitals and healthcare facilities in Kenya.
Kenya has been struggling to contain the spread of Covid-19, with a shortage of test kits and medical supplies. The country has also been criticized for its slow response to the pandemic.
Ma's threat to withdraw aid comes as the World Bank has contracted auditors to check on the books of the Kenyan government's coronavirus fund.
It is unclear how the standoff between Ma's foundation and the Kenyan government will end, but it is likely to have significant implications for the country's efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.
