Kenya Medical Supplies Authority will close its distribution centres to allow for the annual stock-taking exercise.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, KEMSA stated that the four-day closure, starting July 1st to July 4th, is part of its annual stock-taking exercise.
“During this period, receipt and dispatch of medical supplies will be suspended. Only emergency cases shall be attended to,” the notice read.
Normal operations are expected to resume on Monday, July 7, 2025, given that July 5th and 6th will fall on a weekend.
Kemsa has advised customers and stakeholders to take note of the temporary suspension and make necessary arrangements in advance.
For further assistance, the Authority has provided contact details including the address for the head office along Airport North Road, Embakasi, telephone: +254 111 035 800 and +254 719 033 000, and email customercare@kemsa.go.ke.
The Authority assured that it remains committed to ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies.
Kemsa is a state corporation under the Ministry of Health, established under the Kemsa Act 2013.
It is mandated to procure, warehouse and distribute Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) for prescribed public health programs, the national strategic stock reserves, prescribed essential health packages and national referral hospitals.
The annual stock-take is aimed at maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of medical supplies.
The four-day closure of the Authority’s distribution centres is a proactive step towards ensuring that all records are up-to-date and that any discrepancies in stock levels are identified and addressed.
This helps in preventing stockouts and overstocking, resulting in result, ensuring that healthcare facilities receive the right quantities of supplies as needed.
Kemsa’s digital system
In February 2025, Kemsa installed advanced digital systems to enhance its operational transparency and efficiency in executing its mandate.
This included the implementation of the digitisation of its environment with the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS), which provides real-time visibility of health commodities, allowing stakeholders to track stock levels accurately, which is set to go live very soon.
Speaking then, Kemsa CEO Waqo Ejersa said the technological advancements are crucial for nurturing accountability and improving the overall supply chain management in the country’s healthcare sector.
He noted that Kemsa’s commitment to transparency, accountability and operational excellence is driving its journey to enhance its status as a reliable provider of healthcare supplies and a key player in the country.
Then, Kemsa chairperson Samuel Tanui noted the critical role Kemsa plays in the availability of essential medical supplies across 47 counties.
“We have the capacity to procure, store, and distribute medical supplies effectively,” Tanui said.
by SHARON MWENDE
