The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) has announced the temporary closure of its distribution centres for a four-day period, from July 1 to July 4, 2025, to facilitate its annual stock-taking exercise. The suspension will affect the receipt and dispatch of medical supplies, although emergency cases will still be handled during this period.
Temporary Suspension of Operations
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, Kemsa urged customers and stakeholders to make the necessary arrangements in advance to minimize disruptions.
“During this period, receipt and dispatch of medical supplies will be suspended. Only emergency cases shall be attended to,” the notice stated.
Operations are scheduled to resume fully on Monday, July 7, 2025, as July 5th and 6th fall on a weekend.
Kemsa has provided its contact details for any further assistance:
- Telephone: +254 111 035 800 / +254 719 033 000
- Email: customercare@kemsa.go.ke
- Address: Head office along Airport North Road, Embakasi
Importance of the Annual Stock-Take
The annual stock-taking exercise is a critical part of Kemsa’s operations, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the management of medical supplies. The exercise helps ensure that inventory records are accurate and that any discrepancies are promptly addressed.
This proactive approach helps avoid both stockouts and overstocking, ensuring that health facilities across the country receive the correct quantities of essential supplies when needed.
“This closure is necessary to enable a comprehensive review of our stock levels and support our mission to supply quality health products efficiently,” said Kemsa CEO Waqo Ejersa.
Strengthening Supply Chain Management
Kemsa’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency was bolstered earlier this year with the installation of advanced digital systems, including the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS).
The LMIS, expected to go live soon, is designed to provide real-time visibility of stock levels. This will enable health sector stakeholders to track health commodities throughout the supply chain, from procurement to distribution.
Kemsa Chairperson Samuel Tanui emphasized the importance of these technological upgrades:
“We have the capacity to procure, store, and distribute medical supplies effectively. The digitisation of our systems is a key step toward achieving operational excellence.”
Kemsa’s Role in Kenya’s Healthcare Sector
Established under the Kemsa Act 2013, Kemsa is a state corporation under the Ministry of Health. Its mandate includes the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) for public health programs, national strategic stock reserves, essential health packages, and national referral hospitals.
The Authority plays a pivotal role in ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies across Kenya’s 47 counties, making its operational efficiency crucial for the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Ensuring Accountability
The stock-take exercise reflects Kemsa’s ongoing efforts to uphold accountability in public service. By thoroughly reviewing stock records annually, the Authority aims to maintain integrity in the management of medical supplies, a sector that has previously come under scrutiny over issues of mismanagement.
The integration of digital systems is expected to further enhance transparency and reduce human error in the inventory process.
“Our investment in technology is about building trust with Kenyans. It helps us ensure that every item procured and distributed is accounted for,” noted CEO Ejersa.
What Stakeholders Should Do
Kemsa has advised all its clients—including county governments, health facilities, and partner organizations—to plan ahead to avoid disruptions. Orders for medical supplies should be placed early to cover the closure period.
The Authority reassured the public that mechanisms are in place to handle urgent requests during the stock-take.