The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has commenced a two-week national stocktaking exercise aimed at enhancing accountability and efficiency in the country’s health supply chain. The initiative, aligned with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), will cover all KEMSA warehouses across Kenya.
Speaking at the launch, KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa emphasized the importance of the exercise in strengthening the authority’s operational foundation. “This is not just a routine check it’s a critical foundation for accountability, operational efficiency, and reliable service delivery,” he stated.
The exercise involves a comprehensive physical verification of stock against the records stored in KEMSA’s Logistics Management Information System (LMIS). It will also include the documentation of batch numbers and expiry dates, with findings feeding into KEMSA’s financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Independent stock takers have been deployed to ensure objectivity and accuracy, while the authority’s Operations Directorate will supervise inventory organization and maintain warehouse hygiene throughout the process.
Dr. Ejersa highlighted the direct impact of accurate inventory records on public health outcomes. “Accurate records mean better forecasting, smarter procurement, and ultimately, saving lives by ensuring essential medicines and supplies are always available when and where they’re needed,” he said.
The stocktaking exercise comes at a critical time as Kenya intensifies efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). By improving demand forecasting and minimizing wastage, KEMSA aims to enhance the availability of critical medical supplies across all 47 counties.
Dr. Ejersa reiterated KEMSA’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. “This is how we build trust in the system through data, discipline, and delivery. KEMSA is evolving into a fully demand-driven, data-powered supply chain institution and this stock take is a cornerstone of that transformation,” he added.
The initiative is part of broader reforms at KEMSA, which has been undergoing restructuring to restore public confidence and improve service delivery. The stocktaking exercise is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting these reforms and ensuring that the health sector has the resources it needs to function effectively.
