National, County Govts Join Hands to Settle Ksh3.5 Billion KEMSA Debt

The National and county governments on Monday reached an agreement to settle the debt owed to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

Speaking in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta County, during an extensive development tour, President William Ruto stated the National Government will partner with county governments to settle Ksh3.5 billion debt owed to KEMSA.

Ruto explained that counties will pay Ksh2 billion while the National Government will contribute the remaining Ksh1.5 billion to ensure hospitals receive sufficient medicine from KEMSA.

The primary goal of this financial allocation is to ensure that hospitals across the country have sufficient medical supplies and medicines. 

According to the president, the arrangement will help advance the government’s ambitious universal healthcare.

“If we pay health insurance for citizens and hospitals do not have medicines, that money will go to waste. All of us must work together to ensure we have adequate medicine, equipment and personnel because we want to succeed,” he stated.

KEMSA is tasked with procuring and distributing medical supplies across the country.

While on his development tour, President Ruto urged all Kenyans to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to benefit from the enhanced medical insurance package.

“Do not wait until you are sick to register. Register today…it is free,” he appealed to Wundanyi residents.

By securing the funds, it is anticipated that there will be an improvement in healthcare delivery across various counties, boosting the health sector. 

KEMSA has in the recent past faced financial challenges due to unpaid debts from counties hampering its role of distributing crucial medical supplies. The accumulation of these unpaid debts has led to cash flow problems for KEMSA, impacting its ability to operate efficiently.

KEMSA Board Chairperson Samuel Tunai on October 2 urged the National Government to establish a central Universal Health Coverage (UHC) account to pool funds that counties can access for purchasing medical supplies.