Interestingly, after accruing the debts, the counties have now resorted to getting drugs from other suppliers as Kemsa reels in debt. The medical supplies agency has a working agreement with the counties that requires them to make payments within 45 days after getting deliveries. Yesterday, neither Mr Oparanya nor his vice chairman Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), whose county owes Kemsa Sh21.9 million, responded to our inquiries despite numerous calls. The Health Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to address the issue by making it mandatory that counties buy drugs from Kemsa and ensure that payments are made promptly. It comprises a cumulative Sh272.59 billion (60.5 percent) allocated to recurrent expenditure and Sh177.61 billion (39.5 percent) for development activities that includes acquisition of medical supplies.

Source: Daily Nation February 25, 2019 03:00 UTC