KEMSA CEO Appeals for Increased Funding to Sustain Flow of Essential Health Commodities

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa has called on Parliament to enhance funding to the Authority to safeguard the uninterrupted supply of Essential Health Products and Technologies and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Dr. James Nyikal, during deliberations on the FY 2026/27 Revenue and Expenditure Budget Estimates, Dr. Ejersa underscored KEMSA’s central role in the public health system, noting that the Authority supplies lifesaving medical commodities to over 11,400 health facilities nationwide, with a strong emphasis on Primary Health Care centres.

He disclosed that as of 30th April 2026, total outstanding debt owed to KEMSA by counties, individual facilities and the Ministry of Health stood at KSh 8.9 billion. He warned that delayed settlement of pending bills continues to strain liquidity, constraining the Authority’s ability to pay suppliers on time and maintain adequate stock levels of essential commodities.

Dr. Ejersa further informed the Committee that KEMSA is prioritizing the full operationalization of the Embakasi Supply Chain Centre alongside regional distribution hubs in Kisumu and Mombasa. The initiative, he said, is designed to strengthen last-mile delivery, reduce order turnaround time, and decentralize warehousing and logistics operations across the country.

To reinforce supply chain resilience and ensure continuous availability of commodities, the CEO appealed for sustained funding to cover personnel emoluments, settlement of Ministry of Health debts and unfunded AIEs, as well as an allocation of KSh 1 billion to operationalize the new Supply Chain Centre and regional hubs.

He emphasized that enhanced funding, coupled with timely settlement of outstanding obligations, would significantly strengthen KEMSA’s capacity to maintain optimal stock reserves, improve Order Fill Rates, and guarantee equitable access to affordable, quality health commodities in public facilities.

KEMSA currently serves over 11,400 health facilities annually, with 54% of supplies directed to Primary Health Care facilities (Levels 2 and 3), 44.4% to hospitals (Levels 4 - 6), 1.6% to national referral facilities and 1.3% to Faith-Based Organisations. In the FY 2026/27 period, the Authority targets a 90% Order Fill Rate, 10-day Order Turnaround Time for Primary Health Facilities, and 7-day turnaround for hospitals, alongside modernisation of its supply chain infrastructure and expansion of regional distribution centres.