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The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) will do a forensic audit of funds given to Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) over alleged misappropriation of funds.
The CDC said those found responsible for misuse, mismanagement, theft, or corruption must be held accountable and refund of the abused monies.
“The U.S. Embassy and CDC take very seriously the responsibility to ensure U.S. Government funds are fully accounted for and used to benefit the health and welfare of the Kenyan people and are working in cooperation with Kenyan authorities to ascertain the facts”, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement
CDC further said that over the past 5 years, they provided an average of $21 million per year to KEMRI through cooperative agreements used to fund research and public health programs in Kenya.
The agreements outline how funds are allocated and define the conditions and requirements for the receipt and use of funds by recipient organizations.
CDC stated that in February/March 2015, they learned that 90% of the cooperative agreement funding that it had provided to KEMRI for August 2014 to August 2015 had been spent, leaving less than a month’s operating funds to cover the five months left in the budget period ending mid-August 2015.
“Given the serious issues raised by the funds shortfall, CDC is investigating the scope of the shortfall and possible causes, including commissioning a forensic audit of the cooperative agreements”, CDC said.
In addition, CDC has instituted additional oversight measures to ensure that remaining funds supporting lifesaving research and medical care are spent properly.
CDC said the matter is still under investigation but initial findings show that a significant amount, millions of dollars, is missing or unaccounted for.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office has had a longstanding and productive partnership with KEMRI since 1979.
They conduct disease research to protect and improve health in Kenya. The collaboration has advanced policy and practice in malaria, HIV, tuberculosis and other health conditions in the country as well as globally.
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