The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, September 1, that investigations had been launched into a scheme allegedly putting Kenyan lives at risk.
Claims had surfaced that for as little as Ksh1,500 , airport workers were providing stamped Covid-19 certificates to travellers in under-hand deals.
Travellers were alleged to be bribing their way to Covid-19 free status without actually being tested.
This is despite the government announcing stringent regulations for local and international air travel during the pandemic.
According to information from multiple travellers, the situation is prevalent at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, KCAA Director-General Gilbert Kibe confirmed that he had been made aware of the allegations.
"I have heard the allegations and they are being actively investigated by the relevant authorities.
"KCAA is awaiting conclusion of the investigation in order to determine if any action is required on our part," Kibe told this writer.
If evidence is adduced, the scandal would mean that hundreds of potentially infected travellers could be moving around the country without any restrictions.
The situation particularly outraged Kenyan travellers who had parted with thousands for Covid-19 tests and genuine certificates.
They demanded that investigations be expedited for those culpable to be arrested and prosecuted.
It further fuelled public anger driven by allegations of massive corruption in the use of Covid-19 funds.
A scandal that has grabbed national headlines centres around suspicious procurement deals at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) continues to investigate the allegations leveled against officials at the agency.
