MPs Threaten to Disband KNH Board Over Oxygen Plant Acquisition Controversy

Members of Parliament have threatened to disband the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Board for interfering with the process of setting up a new multi-million shilling oxygen plant at the facility.

The Departmental Committee on Health accused the National Health Insurance Fund Board, led by Sameer Muravej, of halting the process due to personal interests.

The committee alleged that Muravej abused his powers by terminating the oxygen plant deal, which had been awarded before he took office, on the grounds that the contractor was his former business partner. The KNH Board insisted that the contractor had not complied with specifications, but the hospital management maintained that all requirements were met.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai said he would take action against the Board for interfering with the management's role and claimed that further delays would incur extra costs. KNH CEO Evanson Kamuri stated that the Board used the wrong parameters in investigating the tender implementation, despite advice from the management's technical operatives.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the acquisition of the oxygen plant at Kenya's largest referral hospital raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the potential impact on healthcare services. The allegations of personal interests influencing the decision-making process underscore the need for proper oversight and governance in public health institutions.

The committee questioned the Board's objectivity and interference in the hospital's operations. "The Departmental Committee on Health accused the National Health Insurance Fund Board led by Sameer Muravej of halting the process due to personal interests," according to the summaries. PS Kimtai's call for an investigation into the Board's actions and CEO Kamuri's suggestion to investigate the Board itself highlight the growing tensions between the hospital's management and its oversight body.

Key Takeaways

• Lawmakers threaten to disband KNH Board over oxygen plant tender row
• Board accused of halting oxygen plant deal due to personal interests
• Management claims all requirements met, Board used wrong parameters
• PS calls for action against Board for interfering in management's role
• Tensions between KNH management and oversight body over transparency