President William Ruto has announced sweeping reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), promising to turn the troubled agency into a more efficient and transparent supplier of essential medicines.
Speaking in Kakamega County on Thursday during the official opening of the new 124-bed Butere County Hospital, President Ruto said the overhaul aims to raise KEMSA’s drug availability rate from 48 per cent to 68 per cent in the coming months with a target of full restocking by the end of the year.
“We are undertaking a bold transformation of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to make it more efficient, sustainable, and effective, raising its current drug availability rate from 48 per cent to 68 per cent,” said Ruto.
KEMSA, the state agency responsible for procuring and distributing medical supplies, has faced years of criticism over inefficiency, corruption scandals and supply shortages that have strained hospitals nationwide. The government’s pledge to rebuild the institution marks one of the most ambitious health-sector reforms in recent years.
During the Butere event, President Ruto said his administration was backing the reforms with tangible investments in local healthcare.
“We are further investing KSh150 million to equip and upgrade the hospital, guaranteeing modern facilities, quality care, and greater dignity in healthcare delivery.,” he said.
The new facility, one of several county-level projects supported under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage plan, is expected to serve thousands of residents who previously travelled long distances for specialised treatment.
At the event, President Ruto was accompanied by various leaders from Western region led by the Speaker of the National assembly, Hon. Moses Wetangula who asked Mulembe leaders to unite behind President Ruto’s second-term bid.
Other political leaders present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governor Fernandes Barasa, Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, and MPs led by Hon. Tindi Mwale, among other leaders.
About the Author
