KEMSA kicks off two-week stock verification drive across all warehouses

Immaculate Chebet-MyGov 

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has kicked off its annual nationwide stocktaking exercise aimed at driving accuracy, accountability, and operational excellence across the country’s health supply chain.

KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa, together with senior management and staff, officially launched the annual stocktaking exercise, marking the beginning of a coordinated effort across all KEMSA warehouses.

The two-week exercise is a key pillar in the authority’s strategy to ensure accurate inventory of health products and technologies (HPTs) and align physical stocks with digital records in the Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). 

“This is not a backroom task, but a frontline tool in our mission to save lives. By knowing exactly what we have, where it is, and what condition it's in, we can plan smarter, respond faster, and deliver better,” the CEO emphasized.

It will involve the physical verification of stocks against system records in the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS), capturing vital data including batch numbers and shelf life.

The findings will be incorporated into the authority’s financial statements in line with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), good accounting practices, regulatory guidelines and in full compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Dr. Waqo said the stocktaking is not merely a routine check but a critical foundation for accountability, operational efficiency, and reliable service delivery.

He noted that accurate records enable better forecasting and smarter procurement ultimately, saving lives by ensuring essential medicines and supplies are always available when and where needed.

To ensure transparency, independent stock takers have been deployed across departments, while the Operations Directorate has been tasked with ensuring systematic arrangement of inventory and warehouse hygiene for precise counting and reconciliation, he said.

“With Kenya’s push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), this initiative positions KEMSA to forecast demand more accurately, reduce expiries, minimize waste, and ensure continuous access to life-saving commodities across all 47 counties,” the CEO said.

He said by prioritizing transparency, accuracy, and efficiency, KEMSA continues its transformation into a demand-driven, data-powered institution, capable of delivering quality, timely, and affordable medical supplies across the country.