The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) is under probe for a over SH7 billion procurement scandal for medical supplies tied to the COvid-19 pandemic.
In a classic fashion, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and other investigating authorities have uncovered a case of inflated price, single sourcing and theft by top officials at KEMSA.
The beneficiaries of the scam, according to reports are the usual suspects, people close to the center of power.
Though the conversation started early about Coronapreneurs in the blogging circles, the conversation has now moved mainstream as the Nation Media Group (NMG) in the past two days has been on this case.
As Kenyans go without free covid-19 testing, these despicable gang that cannot hesitate to sell their mothers for a mess of potage hoard essential supplies waiting for govt to advertise tenders. They even stole the free medical donations Chinese Billionaire had sent this way.
Kenya has received over Sh200 billion in terms of cash to fight Covid-19, but what these monies has done on the ground cannot be seen.
Corrupt newly formed firms
In order to be eligible to win tenders anywhere, even according to the Kenyan law, a firm must have experience in the area and showcase that experience. However, most of the firms that KEMSA and some counties awarded to do medical supplies, had been registered hastily this year, others are non-existent in the registry of firms, yet all of them benefited from the tenders.
Kilig limited was registered in January 2020, and it is owned by a Ms Ivy Minyow Onyango; NMG had reported that the person who calls the shots at the firm was a vocal Jubilee Party official. Some netizens suggest David Murathe, because a number posted shows the firm is owned by Willbroad Gatei Gachoka who allegedly, is the PA to David Murathe.
David Murathe is the Jubilee Party Vice Chairman
Kilig was awarded Sh4 billion for the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) i.e. N95 masks, body suits, goggles, waterproof shoe covers and gloves.
Shop ‘N’ Buy Limited was registered in February 2020, it was handed a Sh970 million contract to supply 100,000 PPE kits.
Shop ‘N’ Buy Limited is owned by Mr James Kipketer Chululey.
The other firm is Wanderjoy Party World Limited, which has been contracted by all govt departments fighting covid-19, for matters events. The firm has made millions in the supply of snacks, toilets for policemen on roadblocks, etc. Wanderjoy can well be remembered from the Ministry of Health Sh4 million tea and mandazi.
Abyssinia Group of Industries (AGI), like others, was awarded a contract to supply 30,000 pieces of N95 face masks at a cost of Sh900 each. This will see the company make Sh27 million.
Abyssinia Group of Industries (AGI) is shadowy as its records doesn’t exist in the registry.
As per the Nation Media Group story, the other firms are:
Bell Industries, which was given a Sh185 million contract for supply of PPE and infrared thermometers. Bell is owned by a Mr Titus Kirea Ibui and Mercy Karambu Ngeera.
Medlife Biologicals Limited was handed two tenders worth Sh230 million to supply 200,000 KN95 masks and 20,000 disposable masks.
Nanopay Limited, owned by Ahmed Rahim Mohamud Mohammed, got a tender to supply 50,000 pieces of KN95 face masks at Sh35 million.
Light Up Africa Limited, owned by Ms Emma Wanjiku Maina and Martha Wanjiru Thuku. It got a Sh25-million contract to supply 50,000 pieces of sanitiser in 500ml units.
Ziwala Limited, which is owned by Ms Samantha Ngina Muthama and June Nduta Kinyua, got a Sh84 million contract to supply 120,000 pieces of KN95 face masks, also at the inflated price of Sh700 a piece.
Finally, Wallabis Ventures Limited, owned by Ms Catherine Wanjiku Ndungu and James Njenga Ndungu. The firm got a Sh90-million contract to supply 10,000 PPE kits.
Most of the cost showed a doubling of trippling of the prices for the PPEs.
