The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare system, tasked with the critical responsibility of procuring, storing, and distributing essential medicines and medical supplies to public health facilities across the country.  

However, persistent challenges such as underfunding, inefficiencies, and supply chain bottlenecks have hindered KEMSA’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.  

To achieve Kenya’s vision of universal healthcare and ensure equitable access to quality medical services, the Kenyan government must prioritise strengthening KEMSA by significantly increasing its funding.

This investment is not merely a budgetary decision but a moral and strategic imperative to safeguard the health and well-being of millions of Kenyans.

KEMSA’s role in Kenya’s healthcare ecosystem cannot be overstated. As the primary agency responsible for supplying public health facilities, it ensures that hospitals, clinics, and dispensaries are equipped with life-saving drugs, vaccines, and medical equipment.  

From rural health centres in Turkana to urban hospitals in Nairobi, KEMSA’s supply chain is the lifeline that enables healthcare providers to treat patients effectively.  

Yet, chronic underfunding has left KEMSA struggling to meet the growing demands of a population exceeding 50 million, many of whom rely on public health facilities due to financial constraints.  

Insufficient funding has led to stockouts of essential medicines, delayed deliveries, and uneven distribution, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities in remote areas.

Increased funding for KEMSA would directly address these challenges by enabling the agency to enhance its procurement processes.  

Currently, KEMSA faces difficulties in securing bulk purchases of high-quality medicines at competitive prices due to limited financial resources.  

Additional funding would allow KEMSA to negotiate better deals with suppliers, ensuring a steady supply of essential drugs such as antimalarials, antiretrovirals, and vaccines.  

Moreover, it would enable the agency to invest in advanced procurement systems, including digital platforms for real-time tracking of orders and inventory, reducing delays and improving transparency.

By streamlining procurement, KEMSA can minimise wastage and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, ultimately benefiting patients who depend on timely access to medicines.

Beyond procurement, funding is critical for improving KEMSA’s storage and distribution infrastructure.

Many of KEMSA’s warehouses lack adequate cold chain facilities, which are essential for storing temperature-sensitive vaccines and medications.  

This has led to spoilage and reduced efficacy of critical supplies, undermining public health programs such as immunisation campaigns.

Increased funding would allow KEMSA to modernise its storage facilities, including investing in cold chain equipment and expanding warehouse capacity to accommodate the growing demand for medical supplies.  

Additionally, funding could support the acquisition of a robust fleet of delivery vehicles equipped to navigate Kenya’s diverse terrain, ensuring that even the most remote health facilities receive timely supplies.

The ripple effects of a well-funded KEMSA would extend beyond logistics to strengthen Kenya’s broader healthcare goals.

The government’s commitment to universal healthcare, as outlined in the Big Four Agenda and Vision 2030, hinges on the availability of affordable and accessible medical services.  

KEMSA’s ability to deliver essential medicines directly impacts the success of programmes such as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and initiatives targeting maternal and child health, HIV, and non-communicable diseases.  

The writer is a Communication Consultant