The Kenya Institute of Supplies (KISM) wants a procurement specialist appointed as new boss of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

KISM, which is a national body for professionals in the practice of procurement and supply chain management in Kenya, says its imperative to have one of its members picked to head the key agency.

In a letter to KEMSA board chairman Irungu Nyakera, KISM says as a proactive measure of complying with a circular by the chief of staff Circular Ref. No. SH/GM/3 III (10) dated August 23, 2023 on professionalisation of the supply chain, the agency should consider a registered procurement officer.

“The institute noted that the advertisement for the above subject and appreciation that the Supply Chain Management is one of the disciplines listed as part of the qualifications for the position,” KISM CEO Kenneth Matiba states.

The letter dated June 10 and copied to the Chief of Staff and head of civil service Felix Koskei and Health CS Susan Nakhumicha adds;“This is therefore to further advise the Authority that Supply Chain Professionals, if any, who may have applied for this role must be duly registered and licenced by the Institute and are in good standing, in service to your Supply Chain centric Agency.”

This comes as the Irungu Nyakera seeks to conclude the recruitment process to the agency that has often been riddled with irregularities in medical supplies procurement of both the national and county governments.

The application for the four year tenure job closed on the 11th June, 2024.

Acting CEO Dr Andrew Mulwa is one of those who have been shortlisted in spite of pressure on him for his role in the Sh3.7 billion mosquito nets scandal where he altered specs on the tender process when he served as director of medical services at MoH.