Garissa Governor Nathif Jama’s administration is under scrutiny for opting out of procuring medical supplies from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa), despite owing the agency Sh115 million. During a session with the Senate Health Committee led by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, Governor Jama acknowledged that the county now sources its health commodities from MEDs, despite the higher cost compared to Kemsa.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina questioned why MEDs was chosen instead of settling the debt owed to Kemsa, emphasizing the committee’s directive for counties to clear all Kemsa debts within 30 days to continue receiving supplies from the agency.
“You cannot run away from ordering from Kemsa because of the debt. This committee directed that counties must clear all Kemsa debts within 30 days to be supplied by the agency,” Olekina said.
Governor Jama explained that Garissa faced shortages as Kemsa did not always have the required supplies. Consequently, they turned to MEDs to procure the medications that Kemsa lacked, ensuring that health facilities had sufficient stock of essential drugs and medical supplies. The arrangement with MEDs began in January 2024, with the supplier meeting 50 to 60 percent of the county’s needs.
Although the bulk of the debt, Sh32.6 million, is owed by Garissa Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Sh82.7 million by rural health facilities, Senator Olekina accused the administration of evading Kemsa to avoid settling their debt.
“There is no issue of demand and supply disparity. If you had been paying Kemsa, they would be supplying you with medicine,” he said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei echoed similar sentiments, questioning the county’s reluctance to clear Kemsa’s debts when the agency could provide all necessary products.
“What proof do you have that Kemsa does not have the needed pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals to supply you?” he posed.
Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera raised concerns about the county’s inability to clear a relatively small debt despite having a Sh3 billion budget, suggesting possible misconduct in the county’s procurement practices.
“Why do you have an under the table arrangement with MEDS yet Kemsa is way cheaper? This is a clear case of pilfering county resources. Can we conclude that you are involved in monkey business in Garissa?” Chimera posed.
Governor Jama refuted these accusations, stating that they have a repayment plan with Kemsa and are committed to clearing the debt by next month. He attributed the inherited pending bills from the previous administration but assured the committee of their commitment to settling the debt and maintaining a good relationship with Kemsa.
“We are in agreement to clear the debt by next month for a new order in July,” the county chief said.
“We inherited huge pending bills from the previous administration but we have entered into a repayment plan with Kemsa and we are now in their good books.”
