The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has unveiled key reforms that will enhance the effective implementation of its core mandate.
Speaking during the flagging off of medical supplies to counties, Kemsa board Chair Samuel Tunai said the reforms will help improve the efficiency of the Kemsa supply chain and strengthen partnerships with both national and county governments.
Tanui stated that Kemsa aims to make health facilities more responsive to local health needs, by ensuring that medical commodities are delivered on time and in sufficient quantities.
He also noted that there was a need for the Authority to carry out its goals, hence the reforms that will enable it to restructure its operations.
He stated that the Authority is initiating internal reforms to streamline operations and increase efficiency and accountability.
“This includes digitizing our supply chain management through new ERP and improving our procurement processes to minimize delays and wastage,” he said.
He said accountability will be achieved following the introduction of regular performance reviews for staff and departments to ensure accountability at every level.
“This will help in identifying bottlenecks and taking swift corrective action,” he said.
The reforms also include improving procurement and forecasting.
‘We are investing in research and data-driven decision-making to ensure that we anticipate county needs and avoid stockouts,” Tanui said.
He said Kemsa is working to mobilize funds to clear pending payments to suppliers, which will improve its ability to deliver commodities swiftly and restore confidence among our partners.
Tanui said recapitalisation of the health system is a long-term reform that will help strengthen Kemsa’s financial foundation.
He said the reforms will involve seeking additional funds from development partners and exploring partnerships that will ensure sustainability.
Tanui at the same time raised concern over inadequate funding facing the authority.
He said many counties are struggling to pay for the HPTs they need.
Tanui called on the national government to address the challenge and establish a central account for Universal Health Care (UHT) where funds can be pooled for counties to draw from.
“This will make the process of ordering and payment more efficient and ensure that counties can always access the supplies they need, without delays or financial hurdles,” he said.
“Central funding mechanism will prevent counties from falling behind on payments, ensuring a continuous supply of essential drugs.”
