Senators call for urgent restructuring of Kemsa as counties fail to clear Sh6.2 billion
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina urged the government to introduce a system where manufacturers registered with Kemsa only dispense medicines upon payment.
Senators are calling for urgent reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa), which is struggling under a Sh6.2 billion debt.
The leaders argue that Kemsa's current structure as a state agency is ineffective, given that its main clients are county governments.
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They want it restructured into an inter-county authority to improve efficiency and address its persistent financial troubles.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina urged the government to introduce a system where manufacturers registered with Kemsa only dispense medicines upon payment.
"This will help tackle the twin problems of expired drugs and unpaid bills. Since county governments struggle to clear their debts, why don't we create a system where manufacturers release drugs only when prescribed and payment is made? It is not right for patients to go without medicine just because counties have not paid Kemsa," he said.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma also stressed the need for change.
"Time has come for Kemsa to be restructured and made an inter-county authority," she noted.
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa acknowledged the crisis, citing financial constraints due to inadequate budget allocations and unpaid bills by counties and other clients. She assured the lawmakers that ongoing reforms aim to stabilise the agency.
"Drug availability is one of the biggest challenges we face,” she said, adding that Kemsa is undergoing recapitalisation and receiving additional resources to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines.
As of May last year, county governments owed Kemsa Sh3.03 billion, with Sh2.08 billion outstanding for over 90 days.
Nairobi owes the largest amount with the current debt standing at Sh235 million. The other counties are Homa Bay, Kakamega and Taita Taveta.
Homa Bay owes Sh104 million, Kakamega Sh66 million with Taita Taveta topping up the remaining balance.
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