NAIROBI – The government is effectively dealing with the essential sustained shortage of medicine in healthcare facilities across the country, President William Root said.
The president noted that the government will strengthen the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and play a central role in the health supply chain.
He said these efforts aim to ensure the constant availability of medical and other medical products in health facilities closest to citizens, particularly pharmacies and medical centers.
“To support this goal, Kemza is being repositioned to play a central role in strengthening the healthcare supply chain,” he said.
Furthermore, the broader government commitment is to address rising health care costs and make quality care more accessible to all.
At the same time, President Root explained that the government is increasing surveillance of public health systems and grassroots diseases, and strengthening emergency response through strategic investment and cooperation.
He said the deployment of digitalisation and integrated surveillance systems in all 47 counties promoted national vigilance by streamlining detection at both the healthcare facility and the community level, along with targeted training.
The president spoke on Friday at State House Nairobi, Nairobi, during the delivery of all counties’ illness surveillance vehicles. The governor and other county officials were present.
Regarding universal health coverage, President Root said that since the Social Health Department was rolled out in October 2024, it has registered more than 22 million Kenyans.
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“We register an average of 45,000 Kenyans every day, which is clear evidence that Kenyans value the UHC distribution model,” he said.
He noted that the government allocates sufficient resources to fund primary health care and ensures that all registered Kenyans will be handled free of charge under the SHA.
He warned that all level 2, 3 and 4 public health facilities, as well as hospitals with SHA contracts, should not charge Kenyans as SHAs are quickly resolving payments.
“We are pleased to note that with the identification of the need for qualified staff within the SHA to effectively manage their health insurance, the recruitment process is approaching completion, with a focus on ensuring appropriate expertise,” he said.
The president assured former National Health Insurance Fund staff that he was given priority in the process that he had been abolished.
“People who are not selected for positions within the SHA will be reassigned to other roles within the public service. All Kenyans ensure that no one will lose their jobs,” President Root said.
He said the government intends to leverage the power of digitalising in the health sector to ensure access to services is paperless and efficient within the next six months.
Again, President Root urged Kenyans to register with social health authorities.
“Let’s get away from the burden of Harambee and Whatsapp fundraising for healthcare costs. Together we are building a sustainable and dignified healthcare system that will help without discrimination,” he said.
