The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has earned national recognition for its exemplary performance in occupational safety and health (OSH), clinching two top honors in the public sector. The accolades come after a rigorous evaluation conducted by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) under the Ministry of Labour.
KEMSA’s Embakasi National Supply Chain Centre emerged as the overall winner in the inaugural Public Sector OSH Challenge under the Occupational Safety and Health Practices and Standards category. The competition featured 56 public sector institutions from across the country and involved unannounced inspections to assess compliance, innovation, and employee engagement in safety practices.
The awards were presented at an official ceremony held in Nanyuki, coinciding with the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu presided over the event, commending KEMSA and other honorees for setting new benchmarks in workplace safety.
Accepting the awards on behalf of KEMSA, OSH Officer Caroline Nyamai highlighted the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards. Speaking after the ceremony, KEMSA CEO Waqo Ejersa expressed pride in the recognition, describing it as a validation of the authority’s broader organisational transformation agenda.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering a safe, compliant, and productive work environment,” said Ejersa. “Our robust safety measures not only protect our staff but also ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential health products and technologies nationwide.”
Ejersa emphasized that safety is not merely a legal requirement but a strategic pillar central to KEMSA’s service delivery and operational efficiency. He noted that the Authority’s focus on OSH standards enhances staff morale and supports resilient healthcare systems across the country.
The recognition comes at a crucial time as KEMSA continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening its supply chain and improving service delivery to healthcare facilities nationwide. The success story is expected to inspire similar efforts across the public sector, reinforcing the importance of employee safety in delivering quality public services.
DOSHS’s Public Sector OSH Challenge aims to institutionalize and promote sustainable best practices in workplace safety within government agencies.
