Audit uncovers massive drug theft in county hospitals

A new audit has exposed widespread theft of medical supplies in county hospitals, with drugs worth hundreds of millions of shillings reportedly stolen and diverted to private pharmacies and clinics through a well-organised network involving rogue staff.

According to a report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu for the year ending June 2024, several counties have failed to put in place proper systems to monitor drug inventories, while in others, the existing controls are too weak to prevent theft.

The report shows that in some facilities, there are no electronic systems to track medical supplies, while others rely entirely on manual records that are prone to manipulation.

Counties named in the report include Wajir, Nakuru, Mandera, Garissa, Tana River, Kiambu, Vihiga, Nyandarua and Bomet.

In Wajir, the county purchased drugs worth Sh156.2 million, but a large portion valued at Sh98 million could not be traced in the store's records.

“Inventory records are maintained manually in physical files by the store's staff.”

The audit revealed that Wajir lacks any inventory management system for tracking drugs and medical supplies.

In Garissa, the county bought drugs worth Sh108 million from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which were reportedly distributed to various health facilities. However, the deliveries were not reflected in the stores' ledgers.

Additionally, the county spent Sh26 million on drugs from a local supplier but failed to provide the required supporting documents.

Hola Level Four Hospital in Tana River also lacks an electronic system for tracking inventories.

Nakuru and Bomet counties likewise have no inventory management systems in place. Bomet procured drugs valued at Sh103.1 million from KEMSA, but documents such as inspection reports, store ledgers and counter receipt vouchers were not provided for audit.

In Vihiga, the Level Four Hospital received supplies worth Sh19 million and uses an Information Management System to track pharmacy records. However, annual reports from the system were not provided for verification, raising concerns about the accuracy of the stock records.

Kiambu County, which bought drugs worth over Sh90 million during the year under review, did not provide inspection reports for supplies received at various health facilities.

These findings add to longstanding concerns over drug theft in counties. In previous years, governors from the South Rift region were forced to call in the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate and help curb the theft.

Nakuru and Kericho counties have been particularly affected, with medical supplies worth tens of millions reportedly ending up in private clinics and pharmacies. The worst-hit facilities in Kericho include the County Referral Hospital, Kapkatet, Londiani, Fort Ternan, Sigowet, Ainamoi and Kipkelion sub-county hospitals.

"We are working on a system to tighten the noose around those involved in the crime," Kericho Governor Erick Mutai said.

He also directed the Health Department to transfer pharmacists and suspend staff linked to the theft.

Dr Mutai has regularly witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by patients in public hospitals during his surprise visits to Kericho County Referral Hospital, Kapkatet and Londiani sub-county facilities.