State blames logistics challenges for delayed distribution of drugs

Health CS Deborah Barasa flags off ARV,TB and other drugs, at MEDS headquarters along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, on March 14, 2025. She was flanked by Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The government has blamed logistical challenges and lack of authorisation for MEDS (Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies) for the delay in distributing Sh4 billion essential health commodities.

This was revealed during the flag-off of medical supplies led by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa at the MEDS warehouse in Nairobi, on Friday.

The supplies included antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for more than one million people, tuberculosis (TB) medicines and malaria treatment commodities.

“We are pleased to report that we have secure stock levels of key ARVs and testing kits, with supplies ranging from several months to close to two years,” CS Barasa said.

"Our priority is, and always will be, to ensure that patients receive quality care, with adequate and readily available commodities. Despite the headwinds we face, our resolve remains unshaken,” she added.

Head of the National Aids & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Andrew Mulwa revealed that MEDS did not have the free hand to distribute the products.

The delay was worsened by a Sh1.2 billion funding gap affecting PEPFAR-procured commodities.

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However, the Ministry of Health, alongside development partners, has mobilised resources to facilitate distribution.

MEDS CEO Wycliffe Nandama acknowledged the challenges faced but assured stakeholders that measures were in place to prevent future disruptions.

“As a responsible organisation that serves to alleviate suffering among Kenyans, we have used our internal resources to ensure delivery of these commodities to health facilities as we await donor funding,” he said.

The flagged-off supplies include ARVs for over one million Kenyans living with HIV, TB medicines crucial for treating over 140,000 TB cases annually and malaria commodities destined for high-burden regions such as Western Kenya, the Lake Region and coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO Waqo Ejersa noted that the consignment will directly support millions of Kenyans.”

“The impact of today’s flag-off extends beyond immediate disease control; it is a step towards data-driven healthcare delivery in Kenya,” Ejersa said.

At the same time, the county and faith-based health facilities were urged to ensure fair distribution to prevent stockpiling in certain areas at the expense of others.