The corruption-marred Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) is set for a major overhaul under a new Cooperation Framework signed between Kenya and the United States.
The new agreement requires the introduction of strict digital tracking and security systems as part of a phased transition of US-funded health commodities.
Under the agreement, responsibility for the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of laboratory commodities valued at nearly KSh2 billion annually will be transferred from US systems to KEMSA by 31 December 2026.
“The U.S. Government’s intention to transition the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of its lab commodities to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) by 31st December 2026,” the agreement read.
The Framework requires Kenya to fully adopt Global Standards 1 (GS1) technology to monitor US-funded medical commodities distributed through KEMSA, ensuring each item can be traced from entry into the country to the final health facility.
“The Government of Kenya intends to fully implement a system based on Global Standards 1 (GS1) for tracing commodities funded by the U.S. Government under this Framework and distributed through KEMSA,” the pact read.
KEMSA will also be expected to reinforce its logistics security through geo-fenced electronic locks, electronic proof-of-delivery systems, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
According to the Framework, these measures are aimed at closing long-standing loopholes blamed for losses, diversion and irregular procurement.
The Framework further obliges the Government of Kenya to report any cases of loss or diversion of US-funded commodities within seven days. The provision is intended to ensure rapid detection, investigation and correction of incidents within the supply chain.
The transition comes at a time when laboratory commodities remain crucial to national efforts to diagnose and treat conditions including HIV and tuberculosis, and ahead of Kenya eventually assuming greater financial responsibility for such supplies.
Implementation of the digital reforms and security systems will serve as a key benchmark in determining whether KEMSA can restore public confidence and take full control of the country’s essential health supply chain.
