MPs Protest Over Ksh 104.8B Healthcare IT System Procurement: A Call for Transparency and Accountability

Members of the Kenyan Parliament have raised serious concerns regarding the Ministry of Health’s procurement process for the Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS), a critical component of the country’s Universal Health Program. The proposed contract, which stands at a staggering Ksh 104.8 billion, is set to span 12 years, with Safaricom PLC positioned as the lead partner in a consortium tasked with the development of this comprehensive digital healthcare platform.

The Controversy Surrounding the Procurement Process

The procurement of the IHTS has been undertaken under the Specially Permitted Procurement Procedure (SPPP), a method that has sparked outrage among MPs, particularly members of the Departmental Committee on Health. They have raised pointed questions about Safaricom’s role in the consortium, especially given its relatively small stake of approximately 13% in the project. In contrast, Apiero Limited holds over 50%, raising eyebrows about the logic behind appointing Safaricom as the leading partner.

Dr. Robert Pukose, the Endebess MP and chair of the Health committee, has been particularly vocal in his criticism. He has suggested that Safaricom may be serving merely as the “public face” of the project, potentially obscuring the inexperience of its partners, particularly Apiero Limited, which lacks substantial experience in managing large-scale healthcare IT systems. “Although Safaricom PLC’s role appears minimal, it seems to serve as the public face of the project, potentially masking the inexperience of its partners,” Dr. Pukose remarked during a recent committee meeting.

Concerns About Single-Sourcing

The SPPP method allows for single-sourcing, which has raised red flags among lawmakers. They argue that the decision to bypass a competitive bidding process undermines the principles of transparency and accountability in public procurement. Dr. Pukose has called upon the Ministry of Health, led by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa and Principal Secretary, to appear before the committee on Monday, September 30, 2024, to provide a comprehensive explanation for the choice of single-sourcing under the SPPP.

The Case Against the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) IT System

One of the most contentious issues is the Ministry’s decision to bypass the existing National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) IT system, which has reportedly been functioning effectively. Dr. Pukose expressed frustration over this decision, questioning the logic behind replacing a system that serves the public well. He noted that trials of the new IHTS in Marsabit and Tharaka Nithi counties have yielded disappointing results. “They’ve tested the new system in Marsabit and Tharaka Nithi counties, and it failed. It’s unclear why the Ministry is so insistent on replacing a system that has been working,” he stated.

Dr. Pukose’s concerns highlight the need for the Ministry to focus on enhancing the current NHIF IT system to better serve all registered members rather than imposing an untested system on a populace already dependent on existing services.

Calls for Caution and Reevaluation

As the committee prepares to summon key government officials to address these pressing concerns, Dr. Pukose has urged the Ministry to reconsider its approach. He advocates for a more gradual implementation of any new systems instead of an abrupt overhaul of an existing framework that has proven effective. This call for caution resonates with a growing public sentiment that prioritizes efficiency and reliability in healthcare IT systems, especially given the stakes involved in healthcare delivery.

Meanwhile, the committee has taken additional steps by requesting the Attorney General not to approve the contract due to concerns regarding potential corruption, the single-sourcing approach, and the lack of tender documents and public participation in the process. Dr. Pukose has highlighted the need for transparency in the procurement process, stating, “We expect them to appear before the committee on Monday, September 30, 2024, to address our concerns regarding the procurement of the Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System.”

The Legal and Ethical Implications

The call for a comprehensive review of the procurement process brings to light not only the legal implications but also the ethical considerations involved in such significant government contracts. The absence of a formal response from the Attorney General regarding the legal clearance of the contract further complicates matters. Dr. Pukose expressed concern about the lack of communication, stating, “The process appears flawed. From what we’ve seen, this looks like fraud in the making. That’s why we need full transparency before we make any decisions.”

The financial commitment involved in the IHTS project raises additional questions about accountability and stewardship of public resources. Given the magnitude of the contract, the potential for mismanagement or corruption becomes a significant concern. Lawmakers have a duty to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively and transparently, particularly in the healthcare sector, which directly impacts the well-being of the populace.

The Role of Safaricom and Public Perception

As the situation develops, the involvement of Safaricom PLC in the IHTS project is under scrutiny. The company has been a significant player in various sectors, particularly telecommunications, but its experience in managing healthcare IT systems is questionable. This raises critical questions about the decision-making processes that led to its selection as the lead partner in the consortium.

Moreover, public perception of Safaricom’s role is likely to influence the overall sentiment regarding the project. If the public perceives the telecom giant as leveraging its status to overshadow less experienced partners, it could result in a loss of trust in both the company and the government’s procurement processes.

The Path Forward

As the Departmental Committee on Health prepares for its meeting on September 30, 2024, the focus will be on ensuring that the Ministry of Health provides clear and justifiable answers regarding the procurement process. The concerns raised by MPs underscore the importance of maintaining accountability and transparency in government dealings, particularly when it involves substantial public funds.

Additionally, there is a pressing need for the Ministry to engage in meaningful public participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that the voices of stakeholders are heard. Public trust in government initiatives is vital for the successful implementation of any healthcare program, and transparency is key to building that trust.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the Ksh 104.8 billion healthcare IT system procurement serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges facing Kenya’s healthcare sector. As lawmakers call for greater scrutiny and accountability, the implications of this procurement process extend beyond financial concerns—they touch on the core values of transparency, trust, and effective governance. The outcome of the upcoming committee meeting could set a significant precedent for how healthcare projects are managed in the future, ultimately shaping the trajectory of Kenya’s Universal Health Program and the overall quality of healthcare services available to its citizens.