KEMSA Reforms
President William Ruto on Monday through a notification of presidential action dated May 15 appointed Irungu Nyakera as the chairperson of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) board.
The appointment came after the Head of State fired the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Health Dr. Josephine Mburu and the agency's board chair Daniel Rono over alleged misconduct within the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
On Sunday during an interview with the media President Ruto vowed to take bold action following allegations of an alleged scandal regarding the supply of mosquito nets.
According to media reports, the health agency is unable to meet the demand for painkillers, antibiotics, gloves, syringes, cotton wool, bandages plasters, pap smear kits, and yellow fever vaccines.
The financial burden seen in KEMSA has been attributed to a number of payments made to suppliers during the pandemic.
The Global Fund on Tuesday, May 9, canceled a Ksh3.7 billion mosquito nets tender that had been extended to KEMSA.
While withdrawing their support, Global Fund noted that there was an irregularity in the procurement process as KEMSA favored unqualified bidders while disregarding others.
At the same time, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha in a gazette notice suspended KEMSA CEO Terry Ramadhani alongside top officials serving within the Ministry of Health (MOH) National Malaria Programme and KEMSA.
The names include; Martin Wamwea (MOH), Lenson Kariuki (MOH), Dr. Pauline Duya (MOH), Livingstone Njuguna (MOH), Dr. Charles Kariuki Chege (MOH), Justus Kinoti (KEMSA), Cosmas Rotich (KEMSA) and Anthony Chege (KEMSA).
CS Nakhumicha appointed new members with Andrew Mutava Mulwa as the new acting CEO.
The new KEMSA members appointed include; Hezbon Oyieko Omollo, Mr. Bernard Kipkirui Bett, and Dr. Jane Masiga.
Meanwhile, Health CS Nakhumicha S. Wafula and the newly appointed Chairperson, Irungu Nyakera, engaged in discussions on the ongoing reform process.
CS Nakhumicha expressed confidence in Nyakera’s leadership as the new Chairperson and extended her good wishes for his new role.
The two leaders have emphasized on the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector to ensure accessibility to high-quality healthcare services for all Kenyans.
Tags: Kemsa William Ruto Ministry Of Health Susan Nakhumicha Malaria Irungu Nyakera Editor's Pick
