Kenya: From 40% to the 90s - How Kemsa Is Rewriting Kenya's Health Supply Chain
[Capital FM] Nairobi -- The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has raised its order fill rate from about 40 per cent in 2022 to more than 90 per cent, marking a significant turnaround in the availability of medicines and health products in public health facilities.
Kenya's Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has transformed its health supply chain, raising its order fill rate from around 40% in 2022 to over 90%. This improvement stems from a strategic shift focusing on demand, efficiency, and technology. KEMSA CEO Dr Waqo Ejersa explained that the authority began by engaging stakeholders to understand facility needs, moving away from managing nearly 3,800 SKUs to focusing on critical health products and technologies (HPTs) and aligning procurement with actual requirements.
KEMSA has also adopted a "shrink and grow" approach, reducing unnecessary inventory while strategically increasing availability of commodities where demand is highest. The implementation of two-year framework contracts and digital systems, such as CEWAS, has improved predictability and data-driven decision-making. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledged the significant progress, but urged further improvements to the country's health commodity security system.
The transformation aims to ensure reliable access to essential medicines and health products for patients across Kenya, as the government seeks to strengthen Universal Health Coverage.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
