Governor Kihika addresses reports of expired Ksh.2M HIV, TB drugs in Nakuru

According to the Auditor General, the medical supplies were meant for HIV and Tuberculosis patients.

The shocking revelation raised concerns about the patients' safety and undermined public confidence in the institution, which serves at least six neighboring counties. 

In a statement, Roselyn Mungai, Nakuru's Health County Executive Committee member, explained that the drugs were donated in two batches. 

In the case of the first set of drugs (program drugs) that were donated by a development partner, the expiration was caused by a change in the user protocol. 

The second set of drugs that were a documented donation from KEMSA of short-expiry drugs were intended for high-volume facilities. 

"These were not purchased and were certainly not part of our essential medicines. Once drugs expire, the hospital cannot dispose of them until a stringent audit and disposal process is completed," Mungai noted. 

The health CEC reaffirmed the importance of the Auditor General asking for a response before filing such a report. 

"We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability in our department of health services," she pointed out. 

The Auditor General's report covering the 2023/2024 period has revealed how the county and national governments used public funds.