We need all hands on deck to deliver quality healthcare

There is no greater feat than that of nation-building. As our founding fathers would tell you, it entails creating institutional structures that support economic development while effectively addressing the socio-political, legal and security considerations that support stability and State sovereignty.

These structures are constructed by the people they will serve; they coalesce around the languages and cultures that inform our collective aspirations and give us a national identity.

Five months ago, when I was appointed the Cabinet Secretary for Health, it was to these aspirations that I looked for guidance on how to best serve. It was an open secret that notwithstanding a foundation rooted on the diligent, honest and ethical work of countless officials, my ministry was so wrought with corruption that it was denying Kenyans their constitutional right to quality and affordable healthcare. Addressing this menace became an instant priority. A sick nation cannot be a working nation as economies are built by the healthy.

I immediately sought the assistance of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in conducting a thorough forensic audit of the ministry.

I did so out of the deep appreciation of the enormity and complexity of the task at hand and my instructions were laser-focused: Interrogate the supply chain and procurement process and juxtapose these against government accounting and auditing procedures.

Public interest and outrage

While many are expressing alarm at what is gradually being unearthed, bringing from darkness the ills that have been committed against us, I am celebrating it — as is my boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta. As we see it, with each act of misappropriation, our nation slips farther from achieving its universal health coverage (UHC) goals.

For this, I welcome and support the public interest and outrage at the allegations of misappropriation of health funds; the reaction is justified and precisely what we need as public support is critical to the war on corruption.

I’ve received immense support, which clearly illustrates the Kenyan state of mind and changing tide. Shockingly, there are some dark quarters that are vehemently resisting the anti-corruption effort to the extent that they have waged a war of misinformation and sponsored protests disguised as civil unrest to confuse and exploit the public for political gain.

I appeal to all Kenyans who believe in being their brother’s keeper to raise their attention to the fact that we’re in a period in which morals are clashing with political aspirations to the extent that our welfare and healthcare are directly threatened. This is our war; one that requires all hands on deck and one that cannot be won without your support.

If you haven’t already, please understand my abhorrence for graft, join the fight at hand and keep abreast with our progress. Forget the theatrics playing out; when the broom sweeps, the dust rises.

Mr Kagwe is the Cabinet Secretary for Health.