This article focuses on the functions of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). KEMSA is a state corporation under the Ministry of Health, established under the KEMSA Act 2013.
Section 6 (g) of the KEMSA Act allows the KEMSA board to incorporate, develop and operate a division or subsidiary of the Authority, for the procurement, storage and supply of medical supplies to health facilities and institutions on a competitive and commercial basis, but such commercial services shall be conducted without prejudice to the ordinary non-commercial supply system to public facilities.
KEMSA’s mission is to provide reliable, affordable and quality health products and supply chain solutions to improve healthcare in Kenya and beyond.
The authority has 2 warehouses in Nairobi and 8 depots across the country to enhance flexible and quick responses to the demands of customers.
Functions Of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA)
1. Procure, warehouse and distribute drugs and medical supplies for prescribed public health programs, the national strategic stock reserve, prescribed essential health packages and national referral hospitals.
2. Establish a network of storage, packaging and distribution facilities for the provision of drugs and medical supplies to health institutions.
3. Enter into partnership with or establish a framework with county governments for purposes of providing services in procurement, warehousing, distribution of drugs and medical supplies.
4. Collect information and provide regular reports to the national and county governments on the status and cost-effectiveness of procurement,
the distribution and value of prescribed essential medical supplies delivered to health facilities, stock status and on any other aspects of supply system status and on performance which may be required by stakeholders.
5. Support county governments to establish and maintain appropriate supply chain system for drugs and medical supplies.
KEMSA Contact Details
Head Office
Location: Commercial Street, Industrial Area, Nairobi.
Contacts: 0719 033 000, 020 392 2000, 0726 618 520.
Email: customercare@kemsa.co.ke.
