KDF Takes Over the Operations at the Ailing KEMSA
It is now official that the Kenya Defence Forces has taken over operations at the ailing Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa).
Gathogo Wanjiru 
At least 40 military officers reported at Kemsa headquarters, while a team of board members plans to visit regional offices to woo governors to support reforms at the authority.
According to reports by The Standard, the deployment of the military comes after a team of National Youth Service (NYS) reported at the authority on November 4.
“Deployed military officers will take over the roles of co-directors. Though NYS officers are also present, their roles are not clear," hinted the source.
The 900 staff were locked out of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system on Friday last week, despite Kemsa board chairperson Mary Mwadime's assurance that the staffs were to work from home for 30 days.
Governors, lawmakers, and health officials are against the move, saying such will not solve problems that hurt healthcare services.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, who opposed the move, said if there is a need to restructure Kemsa, the functions should be devolved to the 47 counties.
“If the military takes over the operation, everything operates in a military way,” regretted Ole Kina.
Using the military to run the authority, he noted, will cost the taxpayers, as they will be paid allowances for work performed, and still earn their salaries.
According to the senator, for smooth operation at the authority, those who were involved in the Sh7.8 billion Covid-19 scandal should take full responsibility.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui also echoed Ole Kina's sentiments, saying the involvement of the military in civilian operations, may have long-term challenges.
“The State should assemble a team of credible professionals to align institutions to their mandate and weed off rent-seeking, A government take-over the team on standby is inevitable,” said the governor.
In a media briefing held last week, Mwadime said a multi-agency task force team was formed in July, to provide independent operating recovery for Kemsa, to facilitate organizational effectiveness.
Today, the Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and Kemsa board are expected to appear before the Senate Committee of Labour, to shed light on the matter.
Yesterday, Kemsa acting CEO Mr. Edward Njoroge, held a boardroom meeting, at the authority’s Commercial Street offices, Nairobi.
