Afya House Cartels: US, Other Donors Set to Withdraw Ksh400B Aid

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Photo collage of US Ambassador Kyle McCarter and Health CS Mutahi Kagwe
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On Tuesday, August 11, US Ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter demanded accountability from Health CS Mutahi Kagwe over the embezzlement of Covid-19 funds.

One week later, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Global Fund have threatened to withdraw over Ksh 400 billion offered to Kenya as aid, after a scathing report revealed that cartels at Afya House were swindling funds aimed at tackling the pandemic.

The two donors wrote to the government, stating that they would withdraw funds set out to support malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/Aids for the next three years.

KEMSA has been on the spotlight for inflating prices for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and testing kits. 

Former Senator Mutahi Kagwe takes oath of office as Health CS at State House on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
Former Senator Mutahi Kagwe takes oath of office as Health CS at State House on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
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Aid from philanthropist and Chinese billionaire Jack Ma was also reportedly stolen and sold back to the government at higher prices, as cartels ripped off millions. 

"They are stealing Kenyan lives through the PPEs scandal and there needs to be a huge outrage on this scandal," McCarter had warned. 

KEMSA is also facing a loss of Ksh 2 billion shillings if it decides to dispose of fake PPEs and Covid-19 supplies. 

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe decried the frustration he was receiving from cartels, who were hell-bent on defying every order he issued on the fight against corruption and transfers within his docket. 

The CS, however, defended the Ministry from the Covid-19 scandal, arguing that he was allocated Ksh 23.4 billion only, which he distributed accordingly.

He also stated that some KEMSA officials were suspended with investigations into illegal procurement underway. 

KEMSA CEO Jonah Mwangi Manjari is one of the suspended officials and is set to be grilled by the Senate on Friday, August 21, over the rot at the agency.

"We shall interrogate the KEMSA CEO and I don’t care whether he was asked to step aside or not! All legal procedures stipulated in the constitution shall apply! He must account for the money! 

“If he was asked to step aside to derail the process, I am so sorry for them. That won't happen under my watch," Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina vowed. 

KEMSA CEO Jonah Manjari (left) with Postal Corporation of Kenya Postmaster General Dan Kagwe during the signing of a partnership for countrywide delivery of health products and technologies on January 14, 2020.
KEMSA CEO Jonah Manjari (second left) with Postal Corporation of Kenya Postmaster General Dan Kagwe (second right) during the signing of a partnership for countrywide delivery of health products and technologies on January 14, 2020.
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