Kemsa story # KEMSA CEO Dr Waqo Dulacha Ejersa at the Centre of Drive to Make Healthcare More Affordable

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Waqo Dulacha Ejersa is at the centre of ongoing efforts to make healthcare more affordable, accessible and sustainable through stronger pharmaceutical supply chains and strategic partnerships with healthcare providers. The Government's renewed push to reduce the cost of medical care has placed emphasis on improving access to quality medicines, strengthening procurement systems and encouraging private hospitals to leverage KEMSA's capacity in supplying essential health products.

The focus emerged during the 5th Annual Convention of the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) in Nairobi, where Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga called on private healthcare providers to strengthen collaboration with the Government in implementing health sector reforms. Speaking under the theme, "Cost of Care: Understanding the Drivers, Navigating the Future," Dr Oluga encouraged private hospitals to explore opportunities to procure medicines through KEMSA to benefit from more competitive prices and improve affordability for patients. The call reinforces KEMSA's strategic role in supporting healthcare facilities beyond the public sector and contributing to the wider Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Under Dr Waqo's leadership, KEMSA's role in the country's healthcare system remains particularly significant as the Government seeks to improve the availability, affordability and reliability of medical commodities. Efficient procurement, quality assurance, proper inventory management and timely distribution are essential in ensuring that hospitals and other healthcare facilities have access to the medicines and supplies required to serve patients. Greater collaboration with private hospitals also presents an opportunity to strengthen economies of scale and improve efficiency across the health supply chain.

The convention further highlighted the need to address the high cost of healthcare, which continues to place financial pressure on households. Dr Oluga observed that poor-quality care, delayed diagnoses, preventable complications and inefficiencies in service delivery contribute to rising medical expenses. He urged private facilities to align their benefit packages with Social Health Authority (SHA) arrangements and promote transparency so patients can understand the services covered and any additional costs.

The PS also outlined progress in health financing reforms, noting that insurance coverage had increased from 26 per cent to 40.3 per cent within two years. He called for stronger implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act and Facility Improvement Financing Act, while reaffirming the Government's commitment to settling verified outstanding claims inherited from the National Health Insurance Fund.

Another important issue raised was pharmaceutical supply chain accountability, with the Government planning to strengthen product traceability through mandatory compliance with GS1 coding standards by December 31, 2026. Digitisation of healthcare facilities through Health Management Information Systems was also identified as critical in improving transparency, procurement planning and evidence-based decision-making.

The meeting also explored opportunities for increased local manufacturing of medicines and medical technologies, an agenda expected to strengthen health security, create employment and reduce dependence on imported products. Kenya's pursuit of World Health Organization Maturity Level 3 in pharmaceutical regulation was highlighted as part of efforts to improve confidence in locally manufactured health products and expand market opportunities.

The convention brought together SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi, KAPH Chairperson Dr Eric Musau, healthcare financing and digital health officials, private insurers, regulatory bodies and development partners.

For KEMSA, the discussions provide an important opportunity to deepen partnerships with private healthcare providers and reinforce its contribution to the country's broader healthcare financing and service delivery reforms. As Dr Waqo continues to steer the Authority's operations, improved access to affordable, quality medical supplies remains central to the national ambition of ensuring that every Kenyan can obtain healthcare without facing overwhelming financial hardship.