UDA MP Slams Governors Over Frequent Medicine Shortages in Hospitals: “Kenyans Are Dying”

UDA MP Slams Governors Over Frequent Medicine Shortages in Hospitals: “Kenyans Are Dying”

Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya has launched a scathing attack on county governors over the persistent shortage of essential medicines in public hospitals.

Speaking during an empowerment forum for bodaboda riders in Mutomo, Kitui County, the vocal legislator accused governors of misusing funds while Kenyans continue to die from preventable conditions.

Medicine Shortages Blamed on Governors

Kawaya, a close ally of President William Ruto, did not mince his words. He claimed governors are prioritising luxuries instead of health.

“Most Kenyans are dying because of a medicine shortage, and I’m appealing to the president to look into this matter keenly because he’s being blamed unfairly. The blame lies squarely with governors who don’t use the SHA disbursements to procure drugs in time, making the people undeservedly pay the ultimate price,” Kawaya said.

He insisted that county chiefs must stop pointing fingers at the Social Health Authority (SHA) and instead take responsibility.

Direct Supply Through KEMSA

The lawmaker, who also serves as UDA’s National Organising Secretary, vowed to push for change through the National Assembly.

“The governors must know that this is the beginning of a serious discussion on how Kenyans’ health must be handled. We, the National Assembly, pass budget proposals and legislation that ensure counties get allocations. We won’t hesitate to consider the direct payment of KEMSA to supply medicine and other essentials to hospitals directly if county chiefs fail and only want to blame SHA,” he declared.

Kawaya further accused governors of neglecting hospitals while funding foreign trips and luxury projects.

“All in all, it’s not the governors who manufacture or procure drugs. That’s the work of KEMSA, and if governors will continue prioritising funding foreign trips and not health using the SHA reimbursements, we’ll reconsider how the allocation is done and have the money go directly to KEMSA, not through county chiefs,” he added.

Call for Accountability

The outspoken MP urged the creation of a tracking system to monitor medical supplies. He argued that this would expose inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary blame directed at SHA.

“We just need a tracking system for the medical supplies supplied to the counties when direct allocation of SHA disbursements to KEMSA is adopted, and that will help us know where SHA is efficient and improve on shortcomings. A blanket condemnation of SHA when you’ve failed to equip hospitals is a gross misrepresentation of facts,” Kawaya stated.

Rising Political Tensions

Kawaya’s remarks are expected to spark new tensions between governors and the Ministry of Health. The Social Health Insurance Act currently allows counties to manage funds under the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF). However, pressure is mounting for reforms as medicine shortages continue to claim lives across Kenya.

ALSO READ: CS Mbadi Accuses Governors of Betrayal Over KSh103 Billion Pension Arrears

UDA MP Slams Governors Over Frequent Medicine Shortages in Hospitals: “Kenyans Are Dying”