By Elizabeth Mwai

In less than two years Kenya has missed about Sh50 billion from the Global Fund towards fighting malaria, HIV and Aids.

This has been occasioned by lack of clear-cut mandate between the ministries of Public Health and Medical Services. The fate of about 600,000 Kenyans expected to receive ARVs bought using the funds now hangs in the balance.

Medical Services PS James ole Kiyiapi on Sunday admitted the loss, describing it "baffling".

"This move is frivolous and not based on facts, it is unfair and extreme," said Prof Kiyiapi in an interview with The Standard.

He added: "Why didn’t they ask how the ministry is working? We would have explained everything to them."

Last year the country lost Sh24 billion in Round Eight and this year Sh25 billion ($330 million).

Currently, the funds for buying ARVs from the Global Fund have also been halted pending the resolution of a dispute between the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency and a supplier.

Kiyiapi said the Government was in shock because the Global Fund had visited the country and said they were impressed with their management.

He said they were now planning to send a delegation to launch an appeal in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the Global Fund team will be next week.

The PS said the Global Fund Country Co-ordinating Mechanism had done everything possible to ensure they met the requirements.

Kiyiapi said the Global Fund principles should be based on transparency, accountability and fairness in helping poor countries.

"Our plan was to channel the money through the National Strategic Plan," said the PS.

Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o on Sunday said there was a contingency plan to ensure the situation does not get out of hand.

"It is our responsibility that when such unexpected happens we do not ignore the problem," said Prof Nyong’o.

In an interview with The Standard, he said the Government would see how best to get out of the quagmire.

The Government plans to approach Pepfar and Treasury to meet the funding gap that will arise as more people continue to demand for ARVs.