There will be no theft of Covid-19 resources under my watch, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has declared.
The Health CS has further said those who may be involved in any misuse of the cash will face the sack.
“If there is any truth regarding the misuse of Covid-19 funds, beyond being disheartened, I guarantee you that those responsible will be out of the ministry faster than we can blink. Propaganda or not, we, WILL sanitize the healthcare system…so God help us,” CS Kagwe said in a statement on his social media accounts on Thursday.
Acknowledging concerns and fears by Kenyans about the misuse of the Covid-19 donations, Kagwe said he will ensure Kenyans get transparency in how the cash is used and “will get it in a manner detailed enough for your critical analyses”.
” I read your comments and appreciate your sentiments and fears. As a Kenyan, I too have been disappointed by leaders who fail us for reasons that span inefficiency to corruption. The allegations you are seeing are based on this trend: public skepticism and pessimism,” Kagwe said.
There have been an uproar among Kenyans over the manner in which the Ministry of Health is using Covid-19 response cash, especially an amount given by the World Bank.
According to @MOH_Kenya responses to the National Assembly, nearly 10% of the Sh1 billion GoK got from @WorldBank "for emergency response" was spent on airtime for staff, stationery and tea and snacks, and communication with Sh9m used just to print forms.https://t.co/1BAEfRggpI pic.twitter.com/YvtKMAzm7A
— gathara (@gathara) April 29, 2020
According to the Ministry of Health’s response the Parliamentary Health Committee, the national government has already spent Sh2.3 billion on Covid-19-related expenses in a month.
The Ministry ha reportedly spent Sh14.4 million to maintain 30 vehicles, Sh10 million has been allocated for tea and snacks – of which Sh4 million has already been spent – and Sh2 million spent on airtime.
In addition, Sh70 million has been spent on communication, yet major radio and TV stations have offered free airtime, Sh42 million spent on leasing 15 ambulances, and Sh12 million used for quarantine services for health workers.
Stationary has cost the ministry Sh6.5 million in a month, while printing travel forms cost another Sh9 million.
“I get it. And so I am here to let you know that among us is a cohort that believes in exploitation and that thinks that by spreading lies, innuendo and propaganda, I will be intimidated and worse, lose the trust of you – – the Kenyan – – who believes in our cause and my integrity. They want us sidetracked. I am no greenhorn; I have seen such mischief before, wasn’t intimated then and will not be intimidated now. Watch my actions, they will illustrate this,” Kagwe added.
