Disturbing story has emerged showing how a few wealthy businessmen are raking in billions from public money meant to improve healthcare in the counties.
A recent report has revealed that seven companies have been handpicked to supply medical equipment worth Sh200 billion to referral hospitals across the country.
While this deal is presented as a step toward fixing the health system, it looks more like another opportunity for politically connected tycoons to enrich themselves.
Among the big names behind these companies are billionaire Hassan and Richard Ngatia, the owner of Megascope Healthcare. Ngatia, in particular, has become a constant figure in such controversial contracts, raising serious questions about corruption and favoritism.
Richard Ngatia is no stranger to huge government contracts in the medical sector. He owns the flashy Business Bay Square Mall in Nairobi and was once the president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He appears to be a polished businessman, but his track record tells a story riddled with scandals. In 2017, his company Megascope Healthcare bagged a Sh10 billion tender to supply CT scanners to hospitals.
An activist went to court to have Ngatia investigated over that deal, claiming it was full of irregularities. In 2023, Megascope was sued over Sh869 million contracts from the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, with accusations that the deals were unfair and a waste of public funds.
The Covid-19 pandemic revealed even more about Ngatia’s business dealings. During a period when Kenyans were desperate for medical help, his name came up in reports about stolen donations and overpriced supplies.
Equipment and materials donated by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, including masks and testing kits meant to be free, were instead sold through questionable channels.
Ngatia and his associates were linked to this scheme, earning the label “Covid billionaire” for making money while the country suffered. Critics accused him of being part of a cartel that had been exploiting medical contracts under past governments and was now back for more under the current administration.
This Sh200 billion medical supply contract is the latest in a long list of questionable deals linked to Ngatia.
His inclusion raises the obvious question of why he keeps winning tenders despite his controversial history. Kenya has many credible businesses that could deliver the equipment without the stain of past scandals.
Yet the same names keep appearing, protected by political connections. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens face high medical costs, crumbling hospitals, and a shortage of jobs.
It is infuriating to see the country’s youth struggling while tycoons like Ngatia grow richer from taxpayer money.
Ngatia likes to market himself as a visionary in business, but this is not entrepreneurship it is looting dressed up as progress.
His wealth in hospitality, healthcare, and real estate is built on questionable government contracts.
Old scandals, like the 2016 Sh5 billion health funds mess and the rush for lucrative Covid-era tenders in 2020, show a consistent pattern. The healthcare system continues to fail because of figures like Ngatia who drain resources meant for the public.
If this Sh200 billion were spent transparently, it could transform healthcare in Kenya. Instead, the country risks another massive loss with little to show for it.
Kenyans must demand thorough investigations into Ngatia’s dealings and those of the other businessmen involved. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission should stop dragging its feet and act decisively.
Until people like Ngatia are held accountable, corruption will keep robbing Kenyans of their right to proper healthcare, leaving the poor to suffer while the rich feast on public funds.
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