NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) will suspend operations at all its distribution centres for four days beginning July 1, 2025, to facilitate its annual stock-taking exercise.
In a public notice issued Tuesday, the state agency said the closure, which will last until July 4, will affect both the receipt and dispatch of medical supplies across the country.
However, emergency requests will still be attended to during the period.
“During this period, receipt and dispatch of medical supplies will be suspended. Only emergency cases shall be attended to,” KEMSA said.
The authority advised health facilities, stakeholders, and partner agencies to plan accordingly ahead of the temporary suspension, noting that regular services will resume on Monday, July 7.
The weekend dates of July 5 and 6 fall outside the stock-taking schedule.
Maintaining Transparency and Efficiency
KEMSA noted that the annual stock audit is part of its commitment to transparency and effective supply chain management.
The exercise helps ensure accountability, identify discrepancies, and prevent both stockouts and overstocking of critical health products.
The exercise comes months after KEMSA implemented a new Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) aimed at digitising its operations for greater accuracy and real-time stock visibility.
In February, KEMSA CEO Waqo Ejersa described the system as a game-changer in boosting accountability within the medical supply chain.
“The digitisation process is pivotal in enhancing transparency, ensuring efficiency, and meeting the demands of our national healthcare system,” he said.
KEMSA Chairperson Samuel Tanui also emphasized the agency’s nationwide role, saying, “We have the capacity to procure, store, and distribute medical supplies effectively to all 47 counties.”
