By Michelle Ndaga
The Ministry of Health has signed a landmark cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening health commodity security and advancing the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Kenya.
The agreement, witnessed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, brings together the Ministry of Health, the Digital Health Agency, the Social Health Authority, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and national referral hospitals in a joint effort to improve access, efficiency, and reliability in the supply of essential medicines and health products.
CS Duale emphasized the importance of KEMSA’s strict compliance with national quality standards, noting that timely delivery and reduced turnaround times are critical to meeting the expectations of health facilities countrywide.
He urged hospital CEOs to adopt a fully automated supply chain anchored in the Ministry’s digital health transformation agenda.
Central to the plan is the rollout of track-and-trace systems, which will enhance transparency, real-time data visibility, improved stock management, and streamlined logistics.
These measures are expected to eliminate stock-outs, strengthen accountability, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
The pact is seen as a key driver of UHC, reinforcing priority areas such as health financing, human resources for health, a comprehensive Integrated Health Information Management System (HMIS), and commodity security.
To reinforce KEMSA’s role, the government is recapitalizing the agency with KSh 1.5 billion while finalizing a KSh 10 billion credit line to ensure sustainable financing.
This, officials say, will enable efficient procurement and help achieve a 70%+ fill rate for essential health products. “KEMSA is reforming to guarantee timely, affordable, and reliable delivery of health commodities patients must never face stock-outs again,” affirmed KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa.
Present at the event were senior officials, including PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, DG Dr. Patrick Amoth, and CEOs of leading referral hospitals and health agencies.
The Ministry reiterated that the reforms will fortify the health system at all levels, ensuring quality, affordable healthcare for all Kenyans, particularly at the grassroots.
