US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec. [Photo/Courtesy]
The US Embassy to Kenya through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended approximately Sh2.1 billion donor funding to the Ministry of Health.
US envoy to Kenya Robert Godec said the decision was reached following the ongoing concerns about corruption cases and weak accounting procedures at the Ministry.Addressing the press in Kisumu, after release of the suspension letter, Godec noted the suspension would ensure health care-spending reaches those in need and as well protect the US taxpayer money.He however assured that US was working with the Dr Cleopa Mailu-led Ministry, on ways to improve accounting and internal controls to restore the funding when appropriate progress is made.The envoy also indicated "US support for life-saving and essential health services such as provision of anti-retroviral therapy for million of Kenyans is not affected by the indefinite suspension.'' Speaking, Tuesday, Godec affirmed the Embassy would continue to provide funding for health services and medications directly to Kenyans.The Sh2.1 represent a small portion of the overall US health investment in Kenya, which exceeds Sh65 billion annually.
"The U.S. Embassy has suspended approximately $21 million (2.1 billion KSH) in assistance to the Ministry of Health. This represents only a small portion of the overall U.S. health investment in Kenya, which exceeds $650 million (65 billion KSH) annually,'' read part of the letter.
The Ministry was hit by various corruption allegations, including the Sh5.3 billion scam.