There is trouble at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) with allegations that the Chairman Irungu Nyakera is involved in suspicious dealings regarding tender awards.
Nyakera is said to be using his political networks to micromanage happenings at Kemsa, including tender awards and employment in strategic departments.
The board is divided over these allegations, with members including Hezborn Omollo, Bernard Kipkirui, Jane Masiga, and Jane Mbatia.
The CEO of Kemsa Andrew Mulwa reportedly raised concerns about Nyakera’s apparent bias towards companies from his home county, Murang’a.
Firms with directors from Murang’a have allegedly been awarded contracts, including Unico Essentials Ltd, Alencure Logistics Ltd, Quillar Enterprises Ltd and Appropriate Essential Supplies Ltd.
James Wanjiru, who reportedly has connections at William Ruto’s State House and is a business ally of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is also involved in these contracts.
Mulwa has raised issues regarding a tender for the procurement of medical supplies worth KES 641 million, which Nyakera allegedly influenced.
Firms that were disqualified at the evaluation stage were shortlisted and eventually considered for this tender.
The tender was meant specifically for people with disabilities (PWDs) but firms without PWDs as directors were awarded the contracts.
One of the firms involved in the suspicious tender awards is Amor Express Ltd whose director is Jackline Osiema.
Amor Express Ltd was awarded KES 40 million despite initially being disqualified at preliminary stages of the tendering process.
Balmer Healthcare Ltd was also awarded KES 10 million despite having trouble with its bidding documents.
It is worth noting that there are concerns that the same people are operating some firms involved in the Kemsa tender awards and that the same Indian manufacturer, Amazing Rubber Products Pvt Ltd, is supplying surgical gloves to multiple firms.
The public is calling for transparency and accountability in the handling of funds meant for the procurement of medical supplies and equipment.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is currently investigating the matter, and members of the public have been urged to come forward with any information that could help with the investigations.
EACC has also asked Kemsa to cooperate fully with the investigations and ensure that all necessary documents and information are provided.
