CS Duale urges KEMSA to fast-track ongoing reforms

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) to accelerate ongoing reforms and align fully with the government’s transformative health agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), anchored in Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking during a strategic engagement with the KEMSA Board and senior management in Embakasi, Nairobi, the CS emphasised that restoring public confidence in the health supply chain begins with institutional reform, efficiency, and ethical leadership.

He acknowledged KEMSA’s ongoing reforms and urged the Agency to fast-track the finalisation and operationalisation of regulations under the KEMSA Act.

He further called for the full activation of regional warehouses and last-mile delivery systems to improve accountability, ensure timely service delivery, and rebuild public trust in the national medical supply system.

“KEMSA must become a high-performing, agile, and ethical institution that delivers for the people. The health of our citizens depends on a supply system that works—one that counties and communities can trust,” he stated.

KEMSA CEO Dr. Ejersa Waqo presented key updates on the Agency’s performance and reform strategies, including efforts to attain a throughput of Ksh 13 billion, raise the Order Fill Rate (OFR) above 90%, and achieve four stock turns annually.

The CS also lauded the Agency’s introduction of a shift system in Q4, which has helped reduce order turnaround time and improved the OFR from 39% to 51%. He expressed optimism that KEMSA would hit 100% OFR to support the rollout of Taifa Care across the country.

Duale was accompanied by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth and hosted by KEMSA leadership led by Board Chairperson Samuel Tunai and CEO Dr. Ejersa Waqo.