Garissa Governor Nathif Jama’s administration has been put on the spot for ditching Kenya Medical Supplies Authority despite owing the state agency Sh115 million.
This was after the governor admitted to the Senate Health Committee that the county no longer procures health commodities from Kemsa.
Instead, Garissa now procures drugs from MEDs, despite the higher cost of purchase, compared to Kemsa.
Jama, who appeared before the committee that is led by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, was hard pressed to explain why the alternative arrangement was made.
Ledama Olekina (Narok) questioned why MEDs was drafted to provide drugs rather than clear Kemsa debts.
“You cannot run away from ordering from Kemsa because of the debt. This committee directed that counties must clear all Kemsa debts within 30 days to be supplied by the agency,” Olekina said.
In his response, Jama explained that the supplies required by their health facilities were not always available at Kemsa, causing a shortage.
“We approached MEDs to get medicine that Kemsa lacks with full knowledge of the government agency,” the governor said.
To address the shortage, the arrangement with MEDs was entered. Currently, health facilities have adequate stock of essential drugs and medical supplies.
The governor added that the deal with MEDs began in January 2024, with the supplier providing between 50 and 60 per cent of the county’s needs.
“We first make an order to Kemsa who then tells us what they can supply, then what they don’t have is what we procure from MEDs. As a responsible county government, we must take measures to bridge the deficit.”
Garissa Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital accounts for the lion’s share of the debt at Sh32.6 million while Sh82.7 million is owed by rural health facilities.
However, Olekina accused the administration of deliberately running away from Kemsa to avoid clearing their debt.
“There is no issue of demand and supply disparity. If you had been paying Kemsa, they would be supplying you with medicine,” he said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei chimed in, saying the county was evading settling Kemsa’s debts, and that the agency has all the products needed.
“What proof do you have that Kemsa does not have the needed pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals to supply you?” he posed.
Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera also asked why the county has a budget of Sh3 billion but is unable to clear a paltry Sh115 million debt.
“Why do you have an under the table arrangement with MEDS yet Kemsa is way cheaper? This is a clear case of pilfering county resources. Can we conclude that you are involved in monkey business in Garissa?” Chimera posed.
But the governor refuted the claims, saying all of their 86 health facilities have an account with Kemsa and only Sh46 million of the Sh115 million debt is over 90 days.
“We are in agreement to clear the debt by next month for a new order in July,” the county chief said.
“We inherited huge pending bills from the previous administration but we have entered into a repayment plan with Kemsa and we are now in their good books.”