Editor's Review

"We will clean the mess, I can assure Kenyans. It certainly won’t be easy, so help me God."

The New Kenya Medical Supplies Authority board Chair Irungu Nyakera has expressed commitment to bringing order to the state agencies following his appointment on Monday. 

President Ruto appointed Nyakera to be the board chair after sacking the former board boss Daniel Rono and the entire board members. 

This followed an alleged bungled tendering process in the procurement of  Sh3.7 billion Mosquito nets that placed Kemsa on the verge of losing Sh370 million through warehousing and transport logistics.

Another senior official kicked out is Kemsa CEO Terry Ramadhani.

In his statement after the appointment, Nyakera said he is ready to restore order in Kemsa.

Farmers Party Leader Irungu Nyakera and President William Ruto ahead of the August 2022 elections. PHOTO | COURTESY

"Today I wake up to a new role as the Chairperson of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority. The agency has been riddled with graft for the last few years and I thank His Excellency President William Ruto for believing in me to deliver KEMSA from the mess. We will clean the mess, I can assure Kenyans. It certainly won’t be easy, so help me God," he said.

Nyakera at the time of his appointment was serving as Farmers Party leader.

He unsuccessfully vied for Murang'a County Government seat in the August 9, 2022 elections.

His appointment as Kemsa board chair was gazetted Monday, hours after his appointment was made public.

"I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, appoint Irungu Nyakera as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from 15th May 2023," the gazette notice dated May 15, read.