Controversies around the importation, licensing and usage of a Covid-19 vaccine are threatening to derail a mass vaccination programme by the government as it battles to contain a third wave of the virus.

The Sputnik V Covid vaccine has come under increased scrutiny as the public, including lawmakers, question the importation and certification of the vaccine by private companies whose identities are yet to be known.

Coming against the backdrop of multi-billion shilling scandals that have rocked various agencies under the Ministry of Health since the outbreak of the pandemic, the entry of the Russia-made Sputnik V once again puts processes and procedures within the ministry under the microscope.