In a recent address, Hon. Irungu Nyakera, Chairman of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), candidly acknowledged the daunting challenges faced by the organization.
However, through unwavering dedication and strategic initiatives, the hurdles have been overcome, leading to remarkable progress.
Hon. Irungu Nyakera elucidated the initial obstacles, including logistical convolutions, financial constraints, and the imperative need for meticulous planning and collaboration with stakeholders. Despite these challenges, he underscored the organization’s commitment to triumph by implementing tailor-made solutions and persistent follow-up.
“The Kisumu Regional Distribution Centre stands as a testament to the promises fulfilled by the Board and management to revolutionize KEMSA into a more impactful contributor to the healthcare delivery system,” affirmed Hon. Irungu Nyakera.
The facility is designated to receive, process, and distribute medical supplies across the Great Lakes Region, initially catering to 10 counties in the Nyanza, Western, and North Rift Regions, with a gradual expansion to serve 19 counties by the end of the year.
Expressing delight, Hon. Irungu highlighted the ample space of the facility, designed to facilitate efficient supply and cold chain solutions for essential medical supplies.
“This decentralization initiative is aligned with the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, aiming to streamline order processing at the National Supply Chain Center and reduce the order turnaround time by approximately 40 percent,” emphasized Hon. Irungu.
The chairman reported that the Kisumu Regional Distribution Centre has successfully processed essential medicine orders from four counties, with a cumulative value exceeding Kshs. 120 million. Moreover, he revealed KEMSA’s substantial strides in enhancing procurement processes, asserting,
“In the past half-year, we have made significant progress in strengthening procurement to realize value for money. The board remains optimistic that these efforts will significantly impact the cost of medical commodities by the end of this financial year.”
Over the last 10 months, KEMSA has dispatched over Kshs. 22,523,862,340 worth of Essential Medicines and Medical Supplies (EMMS) and National Health Strategic Programs (NHSP) supplies nationwide. Hon. Irungu Nyakera emphasized the organization’s resurgence, stating, “KEMSA is regaining its sparkle as the last-mile delivery of more than 86,040 EMMS and NSPHP supplies dispatched to over 8,954 health facilities countrywide is no mean feat.”
Hon. Irungu Nyakera assured the public, “We are up to the task bestowed upon us because we are your healthcare partners. We commit to tirelessly working to ensure that health commodities are delivered and available for patients’ use as required.”
The newly inaugurated Regional Distribution Centre is envisioned as an all-encompassing solution hub, providing quality assurance, storage, cold chain facilities, and administrative functions to fortify an effective KEMSA.
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