By Marion Wayua
Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula has instructed all Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) employees who have been working remotely to resume their duties at the office at 8am on Friday.
The CS ordered the over 200 staff of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority [KEMSA] to resume back to office effectively.
The Cs Nakhumicha, spoke during the inauguration of the new chairs of the board Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) on Thursday.
“I hereby direct the KEMSA CEO that effective the morning of Friday, May 19, 2023, over 200 KEMSA staff members working from home to report to work at 8am,” Nakhumicha said.
The CS Health commented that it was irresponsible to have staff working from home for three years without showing to the office in the name of Covid.
Efforts to uproot the decadence of KEMSA, the CS instructed the tightening of human resources in the institution.
“Should you smell, or see something that seems like corruption, please come to me. I will name and shame anyone whose name is brought to me after investigation is done and they are found guilty,” she warned.
The CS asked the new boards of directors that it is their responsibility to clean up KEMSA.
“Each and every member of the board has been clearly selected by the president and myself and are the ones that will clean up this institution,” she concluded.
The CS also stated that as part of the Universal Health Coverage, in order to ensure Kenyan’s access to health commodities to be available at the most affordable prices.
“Health facilities in this country to be optimally stocked with essential products that are required at the most affordable price when required,”
In the recent purge, Dr Andrew Mutava Mulwa was named as the acting CEO of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) in changes sanctioned by President William Ruto.
Mulwa’s designation on Monday followed KEMSA immediate former CEOs Terry Ramadhani’s suspension together with top three KEMSA staff members by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha over graft allegations in donor-funded Malaria National Programme.
The CS inaugurated the new KEMSA board following the recent dismissal of the previous board members by President William Ruto, citing mismanagement of Global Fund funded mosquito nets tender.
Health PS Josephine Mburu and the entire previous board led by former Keiyo South MP Daniel Rono were relieved of their positions.
Those suspended are, Martin Wamwea (MoH), Lenson Kariuki (MoH), Dr. Pauline Duya (MoH), Livingstone Njuguna (MoH), Dr. Charles Kariuki Chege (MoH), Justus Kinoti (KEMSA), Cosmas Rotich (KEMSA) and Anthony Chege (KEMSA).
President William Ruto appointed Irungu Nyakera as the new chairperson. Other board members include CPA fellow Hezborn Oyieko Omollo, Bernard Kipkirui, Jane Masiga former CEO MEDs, and Jane Mbatia.
The former board members and senior ministry officials’ suspensions came after the Global Fund cancelled KEMSA’s procurement process, which appeared to favour a bidder who did not meet the mandatory requirements.
Global Fund documents indicate that the only firm that met all requirements under both Kenyan and Global Fund procurement laws and guidelines, China’s Tianjin Yorkool, was unfairly knocked out of the tender evaluation.
