Ruto targets faster healthcare access with KEMSA direct medicine deliveries to hospitals
Ruto also urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from free outpatient services available in public, private, and faith-based facilities.
President William Ruto has directed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to bypass county depots and deliver medicines straight to hospitals to prevent shortages and ensure patients receive timely treatment.
Speaking on Sunday during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Loglogo Africa Inland Church in Laisamis, Marsabit County, Ruto stressed that medical facilities must remain fully stocked as part of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
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He noted that the government has already provided KEMSA with the funding required to ensure uninterrupted delivery of medicines.
"We don't want to hear stories of a lack of drugs in our health facilities. KEMSA must ensure an uninterrupted supply of drugs to our hospitals," Ruto told KEMSA CEO Waqo Ejersa, who attended the event.
His remarks come as the government implements extensive reforms aimed at transforming KEMSA into a faster, more efficient, and dependable agency. The changes are expected to increase drug availability from 48 per cent to 68 per cent, reducing delays and improving patient care.
The directive follows years of public frustration over frequent medicine shortages and sluggish deliveries in public hospitals. KEMSA, which procures and distributes medical supplies, has long faced criticism for inefficiencies and corruption that have disrupted services.
Free outpatient services
Ruto also urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from free outpatient services available in public, private, and faith-based facilities.
Additionally, he highlighted the removal of extra ID vetting procedures in border counties, describing them as discriminatory.
"We removed the unnecessary vetting of people in some parts of the country, including Marsabit, to enable residents to acquire IDs. All Kenyans should be treated equally," the President said, adding that new and replacement ID cards are now issued free of charge.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was also present, said more than 72,000 Marsabit residents are eligible for new ID cards and encouraged them to take advantage of the government's free registration initiative.
Ruto further instructed Murkomen to review requests from local leaders seeking the creation of additional administrative units.
"We will look into your requests to create more administrative units, including sub-counties. The minister is here. You can send your proposal on the matter," he said.
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