Health Ministry Signs Strategic Agreement to Strengthen Commodity Security and UHC

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Health CS Hon. Aden Duale today witnessed the signing of a landmark cooperation agreement on Health Products and Technologies Commodity Security between the Ministry of Health, the Digital Health Agency, the Social Health Authority, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and the National Referral Hospitals. This partnership marks a strong step toward strengthening Kenya’s healthcare delivery systems.

In his remarks, the CS underscored the need for KEMSA’s strict compliance with national quality standards to ensure consistent availability of essential medicines, reduce turnaround times, and meet the expectations of health facilities across the country — giving Kenya a competitive edge in healthcare delivery.

He further urged facility CEOs to embrace an end-to-end automated supply strategy anchored in the Ministry’s digital health transformation agenda. The rollout of track-and-trace systems will foster transparency and efficiency in the medical supply chain, supported by real-time data visibility, improved stock management, and streamlined logistics. This approach will strengthen accountability and ensure reliable service delivery.

The cooperation agreement is a critical enabler of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by fast-tracking the operationalization of key pillars, including health financing, a comprehensive Integrated Health Information Management System (HMIS), human resources for health, and commodity security.

Hon. Duale also reassured stakeholders of the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening KEMSA, including an ongoing recapitalization of KSh 1.5 billion and the finalization of a KSh 10 billion credit line for sustainable financing. These measures will empower efficient procurement and achieve a fill rate of over 70% for essential health products and technologies.

“KEMSA is reforming to guarantee timely, affordable, and reliable delivery of health commodities — patients must never face stock-outs again,” affirmed Dr. Waqo Ejersa.

With ongoing health sector reforms, the Ministry remains firmly on course in strengthening every part of the health system to deliver quality, affordable healthcare to all Kenyans, with a strong focus on the grassroots.

The CS was joined by PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, DG Dr. Patrick Amoth, and CEOs Dr. Richard Lesiyampe (KNH), Dr. Philip Kirwa (MTRH), Dr. Zainab Gura (KUTRRH), Dr. Lawrence Nderi (MNTRH), Dr. Peter Muiruri (MKRH), Dr. Waqo Ejersa (KEMSA), Dr. Mercy Mwangangi (SHA), Eng. Anthony Lenayara (DHA), and Dr. Abdi Mohamed (Chairperson, SHA) among other dignitaries.