Govt Breaks Silence After Daily Nation Exposé On Health Equipment ‘Mystery Supplier’

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Council of Governors, has dismissed recent claims of mismanagement in implementing the National Equipment Service Program (NESP).

Addressing concerns raised in a local newspaper, the ministry clarified that the Fixed Fee-for-Service (FFS) model was adopted to sustain health service delivery following the expiration of the Medical Equipment Service (MES) program in December 2023.

The Ministry emphasized that the FFS model shifts the financial burden of procuring and maintaining medical equipment from government and county facilities to contracted vendors.

This arrangement ensures that counties receive state-of-the-art equipment with no upfront costs, enabling resources to focus on patient care.

The Ministry, alongside the Council of Governors, resolved to transition from the MES program during the 10th Extraordinary Summit held on December 18, 2023.

A technical committee was established to oversee the transition, ensuring continuity in service delivery without disruptions.

In a press statement, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa reiterated the ministry’s commitment to transparency.

The procurement of medical equipment services under the FFS model followed strict public procurement laws.

Tender advertisements were published through official government platforms, including the Ministry of Health website and the Public Procurement Information Portal, in June 2024.

The evaluation process, conducted jointly by representatives from the Ministry and County Governments, adhered to strict guidelines aligned with Social Health Authority tariffs.

Seven bidders were awarded contracts in October 2024 after a competitive process.

The FFS model, according to the ministry, allows vendors to supply, maintain, and upgrade medical equipment at no initial cost to county health facilities.

“This innovative approach fosters efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in healthcare delivery,” Dr. Barasa said.

The statement further clarified that the model differs from the previous leasing arrangement, refuting claims published in a recent Daily Nation report.

To operationalize the model, an administrative framework has been established between the Ministry and County Governments.

Participation in the program is voluntary, with county governments signing intergovernmental agreements to facilitate implementation.

Under these agreements, suppliers are paid for services rendered rather than upfront fees, ensuring better accountability and resource use.

The Ministry and Council of Governors reaffirmed their commitment to improving access to quality healthcare across Kenya, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and patient-centered initiatives as guiding principles.