President William Ruto faces mounting pressure to fire Irungu Nyakera, the corrupt Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) chair.
Nyakera, entangled in a web of corruption, has been linked to looting billions of shillings hidden in offshore accounts, including in Egypt.
KEMSA Scandals: Blatant Corruption and Mismanagement
Ruto’s aides are concerned about Nyakera’s dirty dealings and believe he should not survive the ongoing purge.
They claim he has damaged KEMSA through corruption and mismanagement, warranting his immediate removal.
Advertisement
Nyakera is also accused of making illicit appointments. He reportedly hired individuals into high-paying positions without following legal procedures or KEMSA’s policies.
These hires, serving as his personal assistants, draw substantial salaries, straining KEMSA’s finances and raising ethical concerns.
“KEMSA made no advertisements for these positions,” revealed a source. “They were illegally appointed.”
Tainted Leadership
These revelations deal a significant blow to Nyakera’s leadership, already tainted by corruption allegations.
Advertisement
KEMSA has faced scandals involving manipulated tenders, fraudulent dealings, and opaque financial practices. This latest scandal only adds to the controversies surrounding Nyakera.
Nyakera is also under scrutiny for awarding lucrative tenders to companies tied to his political allies from Murang’a County.
These tenders, worth millions of shillings, have fueled accusations of nepotism and corruption. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating these dealings, with illegal appointments possibly tipping the scale against Nyakera.
Violations in Procurement and Governance
KEMSA’s operations have raised concerns for some time. Reliable sources within the organization highlight the lack of an approved list of pre-qualified suppliers, violating procurement laws.
Acting CEO Dr. Andrew Mulwa, allegedly working closely with Nyakera, is accused of making dubious deals and pushing questionable procurement decisions, enabling corruption to thrive.
Advertisement
The scandal has intensified calls for accountability at KEMSA. Stakeholders and the public demand decisive action from President Ruto to address the monumental corruption and mismanagement within this critical institution.
KEMSA’s corruption not only drains public resources but also undermines Kenya’s healthcare system, posing a severe threat to millions of Kenyans.
President William Ruto’s advisors are urging sweeping changes at the corruption-plagued Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, urging the president to dismiss Chairman Irungu Nyakera, implicated in a corruption scandal web.
Impact on Kenya’s Healthcare System
Kenya’s healthcare system is already in crisis, with many citizens lacking access to necessary medical supplies and services.
The transformation of KEMSA into a vehicle for enriching elites exacerbates this crisis, turning the agency into a “vampire squid” siphoning resources meant for the public.
This situation is a matter of life and death. The public looks to the government for swift and effective action to restore integrity to KEMSA.
As investigations continue, the pressure on Nyakera and his associates mounts. The outcome will be crucial for KEMSA’s future and efforts to combat corruption in Kenya’s public institutions.
Advertisement
Nyakera’s KEMSA Scandals and Controversial Housing Project
Nyakera also faces scrutiny over a controversial housing project. His company, Sycamore Pine Limited, is under investigation as victims of the halted Samara Housing Project demand refunds.
Safaricom Investment Company (SIC) recommended the project, unveiling fraudulent dealings and fake promises of refunds.
In 2020, SIC signed a deal with Sycamore, expecting a 4.5% commission per unit sold. However, the agreement collapsed when it was revealed Sycamore lacked essential documentation for the project.
The project stalled in 2021 after Migaa Estate residents opposed high-rise apartments, leading to SIC terminating the agreement.
The public awaits President Ruto’s response to this crisis, hoping for a strong stand against the endemic corruption threatening Kenya’s healthcare system.
Advertisement
Kenya Insights allows guest blogging, if you want to be published on Kenya’s most authoritative and accurate blog, have an expose, news TIPS, story angles, human interest stories, drop us an email on [email protected] or via Telegram