KEMSA CEO Leads Push for Supply Chain Improvements

KEMSA CEO Leads Push for Supply Chain Improvements

KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa has outlined sweeping reforms spearheading a strategic transformation to strengthenn the country’s health supply chain and elevating service delivery.

Dr. Ejersa called for adopting cutting-edge technology to ensure transparency and integrity, prioritizing funds for essential medical supplies, aligning the workforce, and reinforcing infrastructure to support efficient service delivery. Central to this vision is guaranteeing an adequate supply of high-quality medical commodities to improve the Order Fill Rate OFR) and meet customers demand effectively.

In a comprehensive reform blueprint presented to management, Dr. Ejersa emphasized a shift from routine, transactional operations to a patient-focused, performance-driven, and sustainable business model.

“We must shift from normal transactions to transformational transactions. This is not just about moving commodities it’s about saving lives,” Dr. Ejersa stated.

Systemic Change Starts with Transformational Leadership

At the core of the reforms is a call for transformational leadership at every level of the organization.

“Transformation begins with leadership. Our managers must lead by example, challenge the status quo, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation,” said Dr. Ejersa.
“We cannot fix old problems with outdated thinking. Every directorate and unit must embrace change, take ownership, and deliver results.”

A Business Mindset for Health Impact

KEMSA is repositioning itself beyond a logistics and procurement agency to become a strategic enabler of healthcare delivery. Dr. Ejersa emphasized the need for a business-oriented approach to sustain operations, improve service delivery, and reduce inefficiencies.

“KEMSA is an enabler of public health, but to fulfill our national mandate, we must operate with a business mind. We are moving from survival to sustainability,” he said.

Further he stated that every department will be tasked with identifying cost drivers, rationalizing expenditures, and redirecting resources on the timely procurement and distribution of essential medical commodities.

Placing the Patient at the Centre

The reforms highlight a national imperative: every action by KEMSA must directly benefit patients. Delays or missed deliveries are no longer mere logistical issues but threats to human life.

“A moment of delay in the supply chain can mean life or death. That’s why we must improve our OFR and Order Turnaround Time. KEMSA must wear a patient-centric heart,” Dr. Ejersa affirmed.

Integrity as a Guiding Principle

Integrity is now at the heart of KEMSA’s renewed culture. All staff are urged to recommit to ethical behaviour, transparency, and personal responsibility, both on and off duty.

“Every KEMSA staff member must commit to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. That is the standard we are setting,” said Dr. Ejersa.

Leveraging Assets and National Goodwill

Boasting one of the region’s most robust public health logistics infrastructures, KEMSA is focused on unlocking the full potential of its systems, infrastructure, and workforce.

“We have the tools. What we need now is the mindset. KEMSA must utilize every resource—physical and human—to create national value,” Dr. Ejersa said.

Despite challenges, the authority is poised for success, buoyed by significant goodwill from the government, development partners, and the Kenyan public.

“We are not starting from scratch, we are building on strong goodwill and renewed trust. This is our moment to rise, reset, and deliver,” he affirmed.

 “This transformation isn’t a choice, it’s a national imperative, a moral duty, and an urgent call to action,” said Dr. Ejersa.