Kemsa staff to be put on performance contracting to boost accountability, productivity

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha shakes hands with acting Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) acting CEO Andrew Mulwa at the agency's depot in Embakasi, Nairobi, on May 18, 2023. The CS was accompanied by her PS Harry Kimtai (left) and Kemsa board chairman Irungu Nyakera. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Workers at the troubled Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) will now sign performance contracts to enhance accountability and productivity.

The newly-appointed board chairman Irungu Nyakera said they have realised the need to put staff on target-based performance as a way of upholding ethical practises through performance evaluation.

"We cannot accomplish the vision of our President (William Ruto) if we do not put our house in order. It will be business unusual. We are going the extra mile to create a brand that can be trusted, a brand that people will be proud of," Nyakera said.

The official spoke on Wednesday when he met the staff at the authority's National Supply Chain Centre in Embakasi, Nairobi. He was accompanied by Kemsa's acting CEO Andrew Mulwa.

Improving services

He said he is keen on improving services at the authority as one way to implement the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

"We must not shy away from the challenges that are before us. Rather, we need to embrace them as stepping stones towards a brighter future," Nyakera said.

The reconstituted Kemsa board has experts who are expected to be instrumental in the authority's transformation journey aimed at making it more effective in the delivery of its mandate.

The new board and CEO were inaugurated last week by Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.

Dr Mulwa and Nyakera were appointed alongside board members Hezbon Omollo, Bernard Bett, Dr Jane Masiga and Ms Jane Mbatia.

The board was appointed after President Ruto suspended CEO Terry Ramadhani, following irregularities in the procurement of mosquito nets worth Sh3.7 billion.

Responsive and accountable

Mulwa emphasized the need to make the authority transparent, responsive and accountable, by leveraging the information and communication technology in all its business processes.

He called on staff to uphold professionalism and strictly follow the law and laid down procedures in discharging their duties.

Further, he emphasized the need for culture change as a way of rebuilding the tarnished image of Kemsa and winning back the confidence of the public and donors.

"It is our responsibility, as Kemsa staff and management, to go beyond the call of duty to deliver medical supplies to all Kenyans with passion and commitment," Mulwa said.