By irene mwende
The Senate Health Committee, Chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago, met with the former PS, State Department of Medical Services, Dr. Josephine Mburu, former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chairman, Hon. Daniel Rono and the current suspended Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO, Ms. Terry Ramadhani, over allegations of irregularities in the procurement of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
Dr. Josephine Mburu apprised the Committee on 1.The distinct roles and responsibilities between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and KEMSA with regards to the procurement process; 2. Clarifying KEMSA’s involvement in the procurement of the long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs); 3. Whether the PS herself was indeed aware of the tender specifications for the LLINs as required by Global Fund, whilst further indicating whether they met the requirements of the Ministry of Health; 4. Stating if indeed there were any differences between the specifications for the LLINs by Global Fund and the MoH, 5. The expected role in recommending the type of nets to be procured in her capacity as the Accounting Officer; 6. Whether the PS was in agreement with the type of LLINs that were to be procured by Global Fund; 7. Whether there was loss of public funds during the tender; and 8. finally shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the tender, and her subsequent termination from office.
Hon. David Rono, in his submission to the Committee, shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the KEMSA tender of the LLINs, and his subsequent suspension from the Board.
Ms. Terry Ramadhani, apprised the Committee on the following concerns; 1. When the tender was advertised; 2. When the tender was opened, and when it was closed; 3. The reasons as to why the tender was extended; 4. Submit details of how many suppliers applied during the initial tender period; 5. Submit details of how many additional suppliers applied after the extension; 6. Whether there was any loss of public funds during the tender; and 7. Shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the tender, and her consequent suspension from office.
Other Members present were Vice Chair Sen. Mariam Sheikh, Sen. Esther Okenyuri, Sen. Abdul Haji, Sen. Hamida Kibwana, Sen. Ledama Olekina, Sen. Raphael Chimera and
Sen. Samson Cherargei as a friend to the Committee.