The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has announced a temporary suspension of operations at its Nairobi Regional Distribution Centre to conduct its annual stock audit.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, June 17, KEMSA stated that the centre will be closed from Tuesday, July 1, to Friday, July 4, 2025. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on Monday, July 7.
“We wish to notify our esteemed customers and the general public that we shall close our Nairobi Regional Distribution Centre for the annual stock-take effective Tuesday, July 1, to Friday, July 4, 2025,” the notice read.
During the four-day closure, the receipt and dispatch of medical supplies will be suspended. KEMSA clarified that only emergency cases will be handled during this period.
“Receipt and dispatch of medication supplies will be suspended. Only emergency cases will be attended to,” the statement added.
The authority urged all clients to make prior logistical arrangements to avoid service disruptions.
KEMSA emphasized that the stock-taking exercise is a routine process aimed at verifying inventory accuracy and enhancing accountability.
This announcement comes against the backdrop of growing concerns about drug shortages in public health facilities.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently acknowledged that KEMSA’s inventory levels have been severely affected by financial constraints.
“The current order fill rate at KEMSA stands at 43 per cent. This is due to the fact that KEMSA is facing stockouts due to a lack of finances to replenish health products and technologies,” Duale revealed.
