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Launch of the Report on Corruption and Unethical Conduct in the Kenyan Health Care Projects

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Nairobi, 17 May 2023 - The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched a report on the status of corruption and unethical conduct in Kenya’s healthcare sector projects.

The chief guest, Hon. Dr. Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary (CS), expressed her gratitude to the EACC for the development of the report.

This comprehensive report is a culmination of EACC’s research and assessment between 2019 - 2021, with technical support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Eastern Africa and the Government of the United Kingdom.

The event drew attendance from the Ministry of Health, public procurement officials, County Government representatives, private sector, media, as well as development partners. Other dignitaries that attended the event included Bishop Dr. David Oginde, EACC Chairperson, and Dr. Richard Erlebach, the Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission.

Corruption impedes service delivery and quality standards in both the public and private sectors. Lack of transparency and accountability, personal interest, lack of public participation and inefficient procurement processes manifest as major breeding grounds for corruption. In the Kenyan healthcare sector, corruption has been observed often in the execution of projects mainly through the aforementioned ways, resulting in abuse of power, excessive spending, substandard service delivery and poor-quality standards of equipment and medical facilities, according to the report. 

“Corruption impedes the ability of national and county governments to invest in healthcare infrastructure and facilities, which exacerbates the already-critical healthcare situation across the country. It is crucial that we take action to address this issue, and that’s why we are all here today,” stated Mr. Neil Walsh, Regional Representative, UNODC in Eastern Africa.

The four-part report draws from extensive field research across 25 sample counties in Kenya involving members of the public, healthcare staff and project contractors.

It expounds on the study and its findings including the nature, areas and avenues that have been prone to manipulation as corruption conduits. 

“It is great to see that the counties which have prioritized effective public participation are the same counties on track with public procurement requirements according to the findings of this report.” Highlighted Dr. David Oginde, EACC Chairperson.

The C.S for the Ministry of Health pointed out the nexus between her vision for the institution and the significance of this report.

“Corruption has been a significant drawback on Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure. It saddens me to admit that the health sector ranks second on the list of most corrupt ministries. This report is very timely as it comes a few days after the recent exposé on the alleged Ksh.3B irregular tender award by Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). I  fully commit to reading the report and implementing the recommendations contained therein, in order to deepen the reforms on healthcare delivery to Kenyan citizens and streamline accountability systems. On behalf of the Government of Kenya, we will support the commission to fulfil its mandate particularly through the automation of government services to reduce human interference and bypass other potential risks,” affirmed Hon. Dr. Susan. 

Towards the climax of the event, copies of the report were presented to the county government representatives present, the chief guest and other dignitaries who graced the event. 

 

For more information contact: Head of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, in UNODC Eastern Africa, charity.kagwi@un.org

To access a soft copy of the Corruption and Unethical Conduct in the Kenyan Healthcare Projects report, click on:https://eacc.go.ke/default/downloads-page/reports/