The United States government has charged a Kenyan national over alleged theft of HIV test kits and other medical supplies that were part of an $83 billion (Ksh83 billion) USAID-funded programme supporting Kenya’s health sector.
According to US prosecutors, investigations revealed that the middle-aged Kenyan man conspired with a 42-year-old Guyanese accomplice to illegally divert medical commodities supplied under the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) project. The scheme allegedly involved the registration of a company by the Kenyan suspect, which was then used to obtain and sell the stolen HIV test kits.
Court documents indicate that the commodities were later purchased by a separate firm owned by the Guyanese national. To strengthen the scheme, the accomplice secured a “Letter of Authority,” allowing him to pose as an authorised distributor. Using this document, he reportedly landed a sole-source contract with the Guyana Ministry of Health to supply the stolen medical products.
If convicted, the Kenyan suspect faces up to 20 years in prison, fines, and possible supervised release terms that could limit his freedom of movement. The US Department of Justice, however, emphasized that the individuals remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
The alleged theft highlights persistent challenges in safeguarding donor-funded medical supplies meant for vulnerable populations. USAID has been one of the largest contributors to Kenya’s HIV/AIDS response, providing billions in resources to ensure access to testing kits, treatment, and life-saving drugs.
The case also raises broader concerns over accountability and the integrity of supply chain systems in donor-supported health projects. As the trial progresses, stakeholders in Kenya’s health sector and international partners will closely watch for its implications on aid management and trust in public health programmes.
