Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) faces a Sh300 million scandal. The deal sabotaged its oxygen plant. Once a trusted symbol of care, the hospital now reflects alleged corruption.
Investigators link the scandal to former Health PS Susan Mochache and contractor Leonard Njeru. They say the two pushed through a flawed procurement. Millions were paid, yet the oxygen plant remains idle.
Suspended CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri is also under probe. Authorities froze Sh48 million in his accounts. They also flagged several of his properties.
The saga began in 2022. The Ministry of Health, under Mochache, took over the procurement. This move was unusual. It handed Biomax Africa, led by Njeru, a Sh443.6 million tender. Investigators claim the firm used falsified documents. KNH was sidelined and later forced to accept an addendum contract.
Despite extensions and extra costs, the plant stalled. Between July 2023 and February 2024, KNH spent Sh168 million buying oxygen from private firms. Oxygen purity from the idle plant dropped to 60 percent. Medical use requires 95 percent.
Meanwhile, Njeru has entered politics. He is seeking the Mbeere North parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket. Mochache left the ministry quietly.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission flagged the deal. The file now rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
For Kenyans, the scandal cuts deep. KNH is their lifeline. Its failure is more than bad procurement. It is a betrayal.
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