The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has put in place robust measures as part of the reforms to ensure efficiency and transparency.
Speaking during the suppliers and stakeholders forum on Monday, Kemsa board chairperson Irungu Nyakera said the key focus is establishing clear guidelines for procurement while at the same time leveraging technology to create end-to-end visibility.
The authority has acquired and implemented a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
This technology is expected to revolutionise operations at Kemsa, enhance end-to-end visibility and enable data-driven decision-making.
“The new ERP system will improve supply chain management, optimise inventory levels, and provide real-time insights into the status of our operations,” Nyakera said.
In addition, Kemsa has also implemented automation of supplier registration processes, streamlining the onboarding of qualified suppliers while minimising potential risks.
This will ensure the authority onboards a pool of reliable and trusted vendors who can meet stringent quality standards.
“Furthermore, we have made a significant shift from two-year framework contracts to annual fixed quantity contracts,” Nyakera said.
This, he said, will allow Kemsa to adapt more swiftly to evolving market conditions and optimize procurement strategies based on demand and supply dynamics.
In addition, Kemsa has introduced lotting of tenders to facilitate multiple awards, promoting competition and ensuring a diverse pool of suppliers.
The board has also directed the management to prioritise the procurement of vital supplies, tracer items and class-A products that are fast-moving as they’re urgently required and regularly utilised in all public health facilities.
This, while serving the urgent needs of end users, will serve to mitigate the accumulation of dead and slow-moving stock and ensure that the organization remains on solid financial footing.