Committee roots for joint efforts to settle KEMSA debts

Committee roots for joint efforts to settle KEMSA debts

𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐢, 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health has pledged to work with its Senate counterparts to push for the settlement of outstanding debts owed to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

Committee Chairperson Hon. Robert Pukose (Endebess) announced tha two teams from the houses of parliament will collaborate with key stakeholders to address the financial crisis affecting the agency.

Speaking after the committee members conducted a fact-finding visit to KEMSA headquarters in Nairobi, Hon. Pukose stated that the committee had been adequately briefed on the institution’s challenges by KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa and Board Chairperson Hon. Samuel Tunai. 

Among other issues, the officials during a meeting with the MPs revealed that the greatest challenge they face is the non-payment of debts by county governments and the Ministry of Health, with arrears now exceeding Sh5 billion.

To resolve the impasse, Hon. Pukose said a high-level meeting will be convened in two weeks, bringing together the Council of Governors, the Controller of Budget, and Cabinet Secretaries from the Ministry of Health and the National Treasury to discuss a way forward.

“The consultative meeting on settling KEMSA’s outstanding dues will take place in two weeks. As a committee, we are committed to finding a lasting solution to this crisis, restoring normalcy, and ensuring Kenyans continue to receive quality healthcare,” he stated.