Thursday, 24 April, 2025
PIC-SSAA warns defiant firms over KEMSA scandal: “they can run run, but they can’t hide”
Bunge Tower, Wednesday 23rd April, 2025
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSA), chaired by Navakholo. Constituency. MP Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe has expressed deep concern over the continued defiance by several companies summoned about the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) COVID-19 procurement scandal.
According to the Auditor General’s findings, several procurement irregularities were flagged, including issuance of invoices before Local Purchase Orders (LPOs), duplication of LPO numbers, delivery of masks before contracts were signed, and unsupported supply claims such as Kshs. 163 million by Megascope Healthcare.
Despite being summoned, only Angelica Medical Supplies appeared before the committee. Other firms including Accenture Kenya Limited, Regal Freighters, Komtel Kenya Limited, Aszure Commercial, Megascope Healthcare, Medlife Biologicals, and Shop N But failed to appear or respond.
“This kind of defiance is unacceptable,” said Hon. Wangwe. “The directors of these companies have been called out. We will issue a second invite, and if they fail to appear again, they will be formally summoned. The law must take its course.”
The companies were expected to explain their involvement in the procurement processes questioned by the Auditor-General. While some previously relied on a 2020 Ad hoc committee report submitted to the Senate, the committee maintains that the Auditor-General’s official report remains the basis of its probe.
The Vice-chairperson Hon. Caleb Amisi emphasized Parliament’s oversight role: “We’ve been accused of being an arm of the executive. We’re now stamping our authority. This committee is mandated to audit graft flagged in parliamentary reports.”
Committee members also clarified that current KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa, who joined after the scandal, may not be in a position to address historical issues, he was brought to reform the Agency.
Ndhiwa. Constituency MP Hon. Owino added a stern warning: “We all saw how some people became billionaires during COVID-19. They can run, but they can’t hide. Justice may be slow, but it is steady. That’s why we are here to find out what really happened at KEMSA.”
He continued, “We are not rushing to blame anyone. We want accountability. If there was wrongdoing, there will be consequences.”
The committee highlighted that Kenya’s COVID-19 response was undermined by a network of individuals who manipulated the supply and distribution of medical equipment, unlike other countries that ensured timely access to health services.