The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) dispatched medical supplies to counties in support of the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa flagged off essential medicines, medical supplies, and maternal health products.
She highlighted that these supplies would enhance the treatment and prevention of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, which continue to pose significant challenges in local communities.
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Barasa also noted that with the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, medical supplies will aid in managing these conditions at the community level.
KEMSA Board Chairperson Samuel Tunai emphasized the authority’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to the SHIF. He said KEMSA focuses on improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening collaboration with national and county governments.
"Our goal is to ensure that health facilities meet the local healthcare demands by providing timely and adequate medical supplies," Tunai said.
He further stressed the need for KEMSA reforms, including operational restructuring, enhancing accountability, and streamlining procurement processes.
Tunai also revealed that KEMSA faces financial challenges due to debts owed by counties. He urged the national government to establish a central fund under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative to enable counties to access the necessary funds for purchasing health products and technologies (HPTs).
KEMSA aims to secure additional funding through partnerships and development support to ensure the authority’s sustainability.
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