The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has launched a comprehensive nationwide stocktaking exercise aimed at enhancing accountability, accuracy, and operational efficiency within the country’s public health supply chain.
The two-week initiative will involve physical verification of stock across all KEMSA warehouses, comparing actual inventory with digital records stored in the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS). The exercise will capture key data such as batch numbers and shelf life of Health Products and Technologies (HPTs), helping improve future forecasting and procurement.
According to KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa, the stocktake is a critical cornerstone of the Authority’s reforms. “This is not just a routine check, it’s a critical foundation for accountability, operational efficiency, and reliable service delivery,” Dr. Ejersa said. “Accurate records mean better forecasting, smarter procurement, and ultimately, saving lives by ensuring essential medicines and supplies are always available when and where they’re needed.”
He further emphasized that stocktaking is a frontline tool in healthcare delivery, enabling faster response and better planning by providing visibility into inventory status and distribution.
To ensure the integrity and transparency of the exercise, KEMSA has deployed independent stock takers across its departments. Additionally, the Operations Directorate is overseeing the systematic arrangement of inventory and maintaining warehouse hygiene to support accurate counting and reconciliation.
The findings from the stocktaking will be published in KEMSA’s Financial Statements, aligning with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and regulatory best practices.
The exercise forms part of KEMSA’s broader transformation agenda aimed at rebuilding public trust and ensuring efficient delivery of essential medical commodities to health facilities across the country.
Written By Rodney Mbua
