KEMSA Must Transform to Deliver on Kenya’s Healthcare Agenda – Health CS Duale

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, has called for the urgent transformation of KEMSA to align with the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program under the Taifa Care initiative.

Speaking during a high-level strategic engagement with the KEMSA Board and senior leadership at the Authority’s Embakasi National Supply Chain Centre, CS Duale underscored the pivotal role of KEMSA in Kenya’s healthcare delivery. He challenged the authority to become a benchmark for efficiency, transparency, and accountability. 

“KEMSA must transform into a gold standard institution—lean, responsive, and accountable. The health of millions of Kenyans depends on your efficiency and integrity,” said Duale. 

Driving Performance and Reform;

KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa shared updates on the Authority’s performance targets, including:

* Improving the throughput

* Attaining a 90% Order Fill Rate (OFR)

* Realizing four annual stock turns

Dr. Ejersa reported that a pilot shift system had improved the OFR, with projections to reach 90% to support the accelerated rollout of Taifa Care.

While commending the progress, CS Duale called for faster and deeper reforms. He emphasized the urgent need to:

* Operationalize Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) and last-mile delivery systems

* Eliminate inefficiencies and rebuild public confidence

Governance and Accountability;

Board Chairperson Hon. Samuel Tunai reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to instilling a results-driven and accountable culture within the Authority.

CS Duale emphasized zero tolerance for procurement lapses and directed the full implementation of the Stock Holding Policy to prevent stockpiling, wastage, and supply-demand mismatches.

He further directed the KEMSA leadership to:

* Fast-track the deployment of an advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)system

* Align staffing with a high-performance culture

* Ensure warehousing and distribution are transparent, traceable, and cost-effective

* Review and propose reforms to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act for enhanced operational efficiency

Strategic Vision for Impact;

The CS emphasized that KEMSA’s upcoming strategic plan must be bold, time-bound, and outcome-focused.

“Let us be firm and focused. Deliver quality. Deliver affordability. Deliver now,” he said “KEMSA must sustain itself while delivering value and impact to every Kenyan.”

Commitment to Action

Tunai assured the CS that the Board and management are united in executing the President’s vision for healthcare under UHC. 

He noted that the KEMSA team possesses the expertise and commitment to reposition the Authority as a national leader in health supply chain management.

“We promise to transform operations and ensure every Kenyan has access to essential medical supplies,” said Mr. Tunai.

“KEMSA is the nerve centre of the healthcare delivery system. Without an effective KEMSA, UHC and Taifa Care cannot succeed,” the CS emphasized.

Building a Resilient Supply Chain;

Dr. Ejersa presented a robust transformation plan focused on:

* Strengthening fiduciary management and procurement systems

* Enhancing operational efficiency

* Reviewing stock and pricing policies

* Improving Order Fill Rate and Order Turnaround Time

* Implementing the approved human resource structure.

The CEO stressed that these reforms are designed to ensure KEMSA delivers high-quality, timely, and reliable Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) across Kenya.

CS Duale concluded his tour by stating that KEMSA must be demand-driven, and made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for wastage or inefficiency.