President Ruto Disbands KEMSA Board, Sacks Health PS

President William Ruto has disbanded the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) board following a tendering scandal for mosquito nets from Global Fund. 

In a statement by State House Chief of Staff Felix Koskei on Monday, May 15, President Ruto also terminated the appointment of Dr. Josephine Mburu as the Principal Secretary of State Department for Public Health & Professional Standards.

The Head of State appointed Irungu Nyakera as the new chairperson of the KEMSA board.

“It is notified that His Excellency the President has terminated the appointment of Dr. Josephine Mburu, PhD., as the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health & Professional Standards.

"Revoked the appointments of the Chairperson and Members of the Board of Directors of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority; and Appointed Mr. Irungu Nyakera as the Chairperson of the Board in accordance with the procedure set out under Section 5(1) (a) of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Act,” read the statement in part. 

President Ruto also stated that Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has reconstituted the KEMSA board by appointing FCPA Hezbon Oyieko Omollo, Bernard Kipkirui Bett, Dr. Jane Masiga and Jane Nyagaturi Mbatia as members. Andrew Mutava Mulwa has been appointed as an acting KEMSA CEO. 

Ruto further noted that his government is committed to ensuring that no Kenyan will be denied the dignity of affordable medical care due to corruption.

“Therefore, in keeping with the Administration's Health policy of "leaving no one behind", the Administration will spare no effort in rebuilding the KEMSA supply chain management system so as to secure efficiency and accountability in the provision of medical supplies to all health facilities across our nation,” the statement added.