The National Assembly Health Committee has declared that it will work with its Senate counterparts to help settle the outstanding Ksh5 billion debt owed to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) by both counties and the national government.
During a fact-finding mission at KEMSA on Wednesday, March 5, the MPs stated that they would engage with the Senators to push for the settlement to curb the widespread shortage of medication and other supplies in several health facilities across the country.
To achieve this, the committee Chair Robert Pukose noted that a meeting would be convened in two weeks to forge 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.
The meeting is expected to include the Council of Governors, the Controller of Budget, and the Cabinet Secretaries from the Ministry of Health and the National Treasury.
During the fact-finding mission, the MPs were informed of several challenges the authority is facing in fulfilling its mandate.
According to KEMSA CEO Dr Waqo Ejersa and Board Chairperson Hon. Samuel Tunai, who led the team, their biggest obstacle is the unsettled debts by County Governments and the Ministry of Health.
This non-payment has reportedly led to a staggering Ksh5 billion debt.
The intervention comes just three months after the county and national governments resolved to settle the then Ksh3.5 billion owed to the authority.
While speaking in Taita Taveta during a development tour, President William Ruto promised that county governments would pay Ksh2 billion, while the national government would clear the remaining Ksh2 billion.
He affirmed that settling the debt would provide much-needed relief to hospitals across the country by ensuring they receive all the necessary medical supplies and medicines.
"If we pay health insurance for citizens and hospitals do not have medicines, that money will go to waste. All of us must work together to ensure we have adequate medicine, equipment and personnel because we want to succeed," the President stated.
