President Ruto fires PS Josephine Mburu, suspends KEMSA CEO over mosquito net scandal

President William Ruto on Monday, May 15 sacked Public Health Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Josephine Mburu over a KSh4 billion mosquito net supply scandal.

The Head of State also suspended Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO Terry Ramadhani and revoked the appointments of the agency's chairperson and members of the Board of Directors which was responsible for the flawed procurement process.

As a result, President Ruto has appointed former Housing PS Irungu Nyakera as KEMSA board chairperson.

"The alleged maladministration on the part of KEMSA is with regard to procurement of treated mosquito nets for those vulnerable households, which could have led to significant exposure to the disease and increase its severity in the endemic regions," a dispatch signed by President Ruto's Chief of staff Felix Koskei said in part. 

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has now appointed Dr Andrew Mutava Mulwa as acting KEMSA CEO. Hezbon Omollo, Bernard Kipkirui Bett, Dr Jane Masiga and Jane Nyagaturi Mbatia have also been appointed the new members of the KEMSA board.

Mosquito net scandal

KEMSA is accused of bungling a KSh3.7 billion tender for the supply of 10.2 million long-lasting polyethylene and polyester treated mosquito nets.

With a total of 17 bids, only five companies were dimmed to be fit by the evaluation committee. However, Global Fund reviewed the tenders and found out that the five companies were not qualified.

In fact, of all the bids only two companies - Tianjin Yorkool and Premium Movers - were found to be fit to be awarded the tender. The Geneva-based Global Fund was forced to cancel the tender and offer it directly to its own procurement wing Wambo.org.

An exposé by Nation.Africa also alleged possible embezzlement of at least $1.353 million (KSh185 million) by Ministry of Health officials from a donor-funded campaign that has left the government staring at refunds and potential sanctions from Global Fund.