Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha, revoked the appointment of two board members of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) on Friday, March 17.
Wato Doko, and John Konchellah, were released from duty, only seven days after hiring.
In a gazette notice, the CS announced that the two officials from the board of directors of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority were not part of the board.
" In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 (1) (e) of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Health revokes the appointment of above mentioned," read part of the notice.
However, the CS did not disclose the reason for revoking the appointments.
Nakhumicha appointed Doko and Konchellah alongside Mercy Chengoris to serve for a three-year contract. The Gazette Notice, dated on Monday, March 6, directed the appointees to assume office on Friday, March 10.
Additionally, the CS had appointed Jane Nyagaturi Mbatia under subsection (ea) of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Act.
According to the Act, the CS should ensure that the appointments fulfill the requirements of the gender and regional balance as enshrined in the Constitution.
It also calls that at least one person to be appointed from three categories, a procurement or supply chain management specialist, a pharmacist experienced in drug and medical supplies management, and one person with knowledge and experience in finance or commerce.
Meanwhile on February 10, President William Ruto appointed Daniel Rono as the chairperson of the KEMSA board of directors and revoked the appointment of Mary Chao Mwadime.
On the other hand, the CS on February 9, Nakhumicha hinted at revoking KEMSA's procurement privileges as part of the planned reforms by the Ministry of Health.
"If KeMSA is unable to do procurement, then we will have to delegate the role to experts leaving Kemsa with warehousing and distribution," she disclosed.
She reiterated that the move was aimed at providing affordable and easily available medical supplies to Kenyans and health facilties.
