NAIROBI – Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakmicha has revealed that he has not been aware that former Vice President Rigati Gachagua was allegedly involved in the bid for the Kenya Medical Supply Bureau (Kemsa) during his tenure.
The former Health CS made a revelation before the National Assembly’s defense, intelligence news and the Foreign Affairs Committee during her review.
Nakmicha, who was appointed as a permanent representative of the United Nations Habitat in Kenya, was asked about the procurement irregularities of the Ministry of Health.
The committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Cork, asked specifically about the alleged role of gachagua in affecting mosquito net procurement bids in favour of his two sons.
“There was information given to me, so his involvement wasn’t there. When the house went through the blast-each process, I was able to know his involvement,” Nakmicha said.
Gachagua faced bluff each in October 2024, with one of the charges being allegations that it abused its enforcement power to secure a bid.
He denied these claims, labeling them as “silly and unfounded” and claiming that they had no involvement in the bidding process. He emphasized that the investigation exonerated those involved.
Irregularity in bids led to important management measures. Health CS Nakhumicha acknowledged an error in the bidding process and noted that the Ministry had identified the issue during the advertising phase. She sought an explanation from Terry Ramadani, CEO of the suspended Kemsa.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
Nakhumicha revealed that Ramadani has made it clear that it will change its bid specifications to attribute the issue to instructions from the Global Fund.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Committee (EACC) investigated the issue and revealed attempts to change bid specifications in favor of certain companies.
Deputy EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud reported that changes have been made to coincide with locally represented Shobika Impex Limited.
These changes have led the Global Fund to cancel bids, citing procurement fraud.
During her review, Nakmicha also pointed out the challenges she faces as a health CS, including a 56-day doctor strike. She acknowledged the difficulty of quickly resolving industrial behavior and described it as an occupational risk.
“I see them as a professional risk, and I am sure that even this job I take may have other issues.
