President William Ruto has announced sweeping reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring consistent access to essential medicines across the country.
Speaking during the official opening of the 124-bed Butere County Hospital in Kakamega County, President Ruto said the government is committed to transforming KEMSA into a sustainable and effective agency capable of meeting the nation’s medical supply needs.
“We are undertaking a bold transformation of KEMSA to make it more efficient, sustainable, and effective, raising its current drug availability rate from 48 per cent to 68 per cent,” said the President. “Our ultimate goal is to achieve a 100 per cent refill rate by the end of the year, ensuring consistent access to essential medicines and commodities to improve health outcomes for all citizens.”
Ruto said the government’s reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and deliver on the promise of universal health coverage (UHC).
During the ceremony, he officially opened the new Butere County Hospital, describing it as a major milestone in improving health services in Western Kenya.
The President revealed that the national government has allocated KSh150 million to equip and upgrade the facility, ensuring it delivers modern, quality, and dignified healthcare to the people of Butere and the surrounding areas.
He lauded county governments for collaborating with the national administration to expand access to healthcare, saying devolution continues to play a key role in bringing medical services closer to the people.
“The investment in facilities like Butere County Hospital underscores our shared commitment to a healthy, productive, and prosperous nation,” Ruto said.
