Corruption Must be fought by all means – HENNET

By Shadrack Musumba

Health Nongovernmental Organizations Network (HENNET) an umbrella of Health Civil society organizations have today launched a project on social accountability namely ‘Strengthening Public Accountability and Integrated Systems'(SPAIS).

The project is funded by United Nations Development Programme

The project aims at uplifting citizen engagement and participation to ensure efficient health service delivery in Kenya.

SPAIS will also go along way to increase knowledge on citizen accountability and enhance evidence on the utilization of funds on continuity of health services amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting was attended by stakeholders from diverse health organizations and media in support of the initiative.

Health official from the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) Gregory Miyanga has said that NMS is in full support of the project to ensure there is accountability and efficient mechanism of participation to achieve transparency to serve Nairobians.

The HENNET’s CEO Dr. Mercy Onsando condemned corruption evidenced at the ministry of health relaying the importance of accountability and transparency in the sector.

This follows the recent uncovered mega-graft scandal regarding looting of billions allocated for management of COVID-19.

Dr. Onsando stated that corruption in the health sector must be fought by all means as it has continuously denied the citizens quality health services and it has exposed them to the burden of financing as they finance for their health services.

She stated that corruption cannot permit Kenya to benefit from the Universal Health Coverage agenda.

The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) is probing the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and the Ministry of Health.

It is alleged that a total of sum of ksh.43 billion for management of the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic in KEMSA and MoH is still unaccounted for.

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