Confusion has arisen over Nairobi County Government’s plan to partner with private healthcare providers to establish pharmacies in county-run health facilities. This initiative follows a decision by Governor Johnson Sakaja’s cabinet to address the ongoing drug shortages in Level 4 and Level 5 healthcare facilities.
However, members of the county assembly (MCAs), led by Health Committee Chairperson Maurice Ochieng’, have raised concerns about the lack of appropriate legislation to guide this project. They argue that without clear regulations, unscrupulous individuals could exploit vulnerable patients visiting these facilities.
“This directive is not clear at all. We suspect something fishy, which is why we are opposing it. How can such a move be implemented without legislation guiding it?” Ochieng’ questioned.
The MCAs also criticized the rushed nature of the process, pointing out that it lacked the necessary public participation. “We need to see the policies, regulations, and the framework from the relevant chief officer. This requires a public participation exercise to inform the community about the entire process. You cannot simply introduce private pharmacies into county health facilities without consultation,” he added.
The county government has branded the new pharmacies as “revolving fund model pharmacies,” which aim to reinvest profits back into the system to maintain and expand drug supplies. A cabinet dispatch noted that despite receiving the largest share of the health sector budget, these facilities have faced chronic shortages, negatively impacting service delivery.
The revolving fund model is intended to stabilize drug supply and enhance affordability and efficiency for Nairobi’s diverse population. Under this public-private partnership, private companies will manage operations and ensure a consistent supply of goods and services.
“The pharmacies will operate in strict compliance with national and county health regulations to guarantee that all distributed medications are safe, effective, and appropriately priced. Regular audits and reviews will be conducted to maintain high standards of accountability and transparency,” stated the county government.
It remains unclear whether the county government plans to sever ties with the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), which has historically supplied drugs to county governments. Nairobi County currently has a significant debt to KEMSA, amounting to Sh243 million, making it the second-highest debtor after Kilifi County, which owes Sh276 million. In May, the Senate Health Committee directed KEMSA to halt drug supplies to counties due to a cumulative Sh3 billion debt.
