KEMSA Begins National Stock Audit to Improve Accuracy and Boost Public Health Services
NAIROBI — The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has launched a nationwide stocktaking operation across all its warehouses to improve inventory accuracy and strengthen accountability in the country’s health supply chain.
The two-week audit, which began this week, involves physical verification of medical supplies against electronic records in the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS). The exercise is expected to identify discrepancies, update inventory data, and support better forecasting of health product needs across all 47 counties.
“This is not just a routine check,” said KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa during the official launch of the exercise. “It’s a critical foundation for accountability, operational efficiency, and reliable service delivery. Stocktaking is a frontline tool in our mission to save lives.”
The stock count covers all health products and technologies (HPTs) in KEMSA’s custody, including batch numbers and expiry dates. The results will be integrated into the authority’s financial statements, as required by International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and public finance regulations.
Independent stock auditors have been assigned to departments to ensure impartiality. The Operations Directorate is overseeing warehouse hygiene, inventory arrangement, and process discipline to support a smooth and accurate count.
Dr. Waqo emphasized the role of clean data in achieving Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals. “By knowing exactly what we have, where it is, and what condition it’s in, we can plan smarter, respond faster, and deliver better,” he said.
The initiative comes at a time when KEMSA is under pressure to improve service delivery and restore public trust after past procurement scandals. The agency is working to align its operations with demand patterns in counties and minimize stockouts and expiries.
The audit aims to transition KEMSA into a fully responsive, data-informed institution capable of managing the country’s health commodity needs efficiently.
“This is how we build trust in the system through data, discipline, and delivery,” Dr. Waqo added. “Accurate records are key to ensuring essential medicines and supplies are available when and where they’re needed.”
The findings of stocktaking will be made public as part of KEMSA’s annual financial disclosures.
