logo
ADVERTISEMENT

EACC launches probe into alleged bungled KEMSA tender

The Global Fund cancelled the tender over irregularities in the procurement process.

image
by SHARON MWENDE

News15 May 2023 - 18:40
ADVERTISEMENT

In Summary


  • EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi said detectives from the Commission had obtained documents and other material required for the probe.
  • Kemsa is at the centre of another storm following allegations of bungled Sh3.7 billion mosquito tender.
EACC offices at Integrity Centre.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has launched investigations into the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi told the Star detectives from the Commission on Monday obtained documents and other material required for the probe.

They visited the Kemsa offices on Monday. 

"Yes, it is true that the EACC today launched investigations into allegations of irregular award of Tender No. GF ATM MAL NFM 2022/2023 OIT-02 for the supply of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINS) by KEMSA," Ngumbi said.

Kemsa is at the centre of another storm following allegations of bungled Sh3.7 billion mosquito tender.

This comes after the Global Fund cancelled the tender over irregularities in the procurement process.

It dismissed the companies listed as the award winners, which included Partec East Africa Limited and Shobikaa Impex. 

The latter appeared to be non-existent on the database of the registrar of companies.

In defence, former Kemsa CEO Terry Ramadhani said Shobikaa was an Indian company, adding that the tender was an open international tender. 

In its audit, the Global Fund said the companies did not meet mandatory requirements, adding that they should not have proceeded to the post-qualification phase.

In a bid to deal with the situation, President William Ruto fired Health PS Josephine Mburu and the Kemsa board chair Daniel Rono and all members.

At the same time, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha sacked Ramadhani and appointed Andrew Mutava Mulwa as the new acting CEO.

Ngumbi reminded accounting Officers and other public officials that by virtue of their offices, they remain public trustees.

This is to mean that they should always protect the public interest and comply with the laws governing the management of public affairs, including the resources entrusted under their care and control.

ADVERTISEMENT

logo© The Star 2024. All rights reserved