President William Ruto has instructed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to ensure public health facilities maintain consistent and adequate supplies of medicines. This directive comes as part of efforts to strengthen the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
Speaking at Loglogo Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Laisamis Constituency, Marsabit County, during the church’s 60th anniversary celebrations, President Ruto emphasized that the new system of delivering medicines directly to hospitals bypassing county stores will guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services.
“We don’t want to hear stories of lack of drugs in our health facilities. KEMSA must ensure an uninterrupted supply of drugs to our hospitals,” President Ruto stated, addressing KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa. He noted that the agency has received sufficient funding to deliver medicines directly to hospitals.
The President also encouraged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access free primary healthcare services. “I want to encourage Kenyans to register for SHA to receive free outpatient services at dispensaries, health centres, and sub-county hospitals in public, private, and faith-based facilities,” he said.
In addition, President Ruto highlighted the government’s removal of extra ID vetting requirements in border counties, describing the practice as discriminatory. He urged residents to take advantage of the streamlined ID registration process, which now offers free issuance for new or replacement documents.
During his visit, the President also announced development initiatives for Marsabit County, including KSh4.5 billion for affordable housing, fresh produce markets, and student hostels, as well as KSh1.6 billion for electricity connections. He reaffirmed his plan to push Parliament to establish a National Infrastructure Fund to finance the construction of 10,000km of new tarmac roads nationwide.
President Ruto commended the church for its role in community development and peacebuilding, while Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged the collaboration in resolving inter-clan conflicts. Local leaders expressed support for the government’s development programs and praised its focus on transforming marginalized counties like Marsabit.
