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NAIROBI: The State has promised to probe allegations of inaccurate or doctored paternity tests at the Government Chemist.
This follows a report carried by The Standard yesterday showing paternity test results by the State facility were contradicted by similar tests from accredited private laboratories.
This has raised concerns of inadvertent errors by staff members or deliberate manipulation in exchange for financial rewards.
Health Principal Secretary Nicholas Muraguri expressed shock at the claims against the Government Chemist and promised to launch investigations soon.
"If those claims are found to be true, it would be a criminal offence for those perpetrating it. We call on those who have complaints against the chemist to file them with us to allow for investigations. We want the facility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism," he said.
Dr Muraguri said the ministry was upgrading systems, equipment and skills of personnel at the chemist that handles laboratory testing for the Government and other agencies.
He said the laboratory would be put through a rigorous accreditation system to ensure required standards are upheld in conducting various lab tests to minimise possibilities of errors or deliberate manipulation.
Kenya Medical Association National Chairman Elly Nyaim called for a thorough forensic audit of the activities of the Government Chemist to establish if indeed paternity and other results were being compromised by unscrupulous staff.
Dr Nyaim said it was unfortunate for the credibility of the facility to be questioned since majority of Kenyans use it because they may not afford the costs of private laboratories.
"If independent investigations reveal that indeed there is deliberate tampering of paternity results at the Government Chemist, then the staff behind such grave activities should carry their own cross.
"This cannot be allowed to go on considering the serious implications the lab results have on individuals and families," he noted.
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