The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has called on public hospitals to improve how they track and order medicines to reduce stock-outs, expired supplies, and wastage of public funds.
The authority wants hospitals to provide accurate data on medicine consumption, current stock levels, and expected demand to help determine the quantities of medical supplies required.
KEMSA also wants hospitals to strengthen stock management and avoid ordering products in excess of their needs, which can lead to expiry and unnecessary expenditure.
The proposals were discussed at a five-day conference in Naivasha running from October 11 to 15, bringing together KEMSA, Ministry of Health officials, county and national referral hospital pharmacists and other health sector stakeholders.
KEMSA CEO speaking during a conference with pharmacists in Naivasha on October 12, 2026.
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KEMSA
KEMSA CEO Dr Waqo Ejersa said the supply chain should be judged by whether hospitals receive the products they need to treat patients, rather than the volume of supplies purchased.
“Our performance must ultimately be reflected in the ability of health facilities to deliver services reliably and in the ability of patients to access the products they need when they need them,” Ejersa said.
He said hospitals should use consumption records, stock levels and expected demand to guide orders.
Additionally, he warned that poor planning can contribute to shortages, excess stock and avoidable spending.
Ejersa also urged hospital managers to involve pharmacists in decisions on medical supplies, including forecasting demand, managing inventories and allocating resources.
Medical Services PS Dr Ouma Oluga said procuring medicines alone does not guarantee their availability in hospitals, calling for better planning based on actual patient and facility needs.
Oluga urged pharmacists to help determine which products hospitals need, the quantities required, and when they should be supplied, using consumption data to guide decisions.
He also called for improved forecasting, inventory management and accountability throughout the process, from selecting and purchasing products to their distribution and use.
Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga speaking during a conference with pharmacists in Naivasha on October 12, 2026.
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KEMSA