President William Ruto has made a significant leadership change at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) by revoking the appointment of its board chairperson, Irungu Nyakera.
In a move that has caught many by surprise, President Ruto has replaced Nyakera with former Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, who will serve as the new chairperson for a three-year term effective from August 23, 2024.
The decision to revoke Irungu Nyakera’s appointment comes as part of President Ruto’s broader strategy to restructure key government agencies.
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) has been under scrutiny following previous controversies related to procurement and management issues.
In recent years, there have been calls for more transparency and accountability within the organization, which is responsible for supplying medical commodities to public health facilities across Kenya.
Nyakera’s removal was officially announced through a notice issued by the Office of the President.
The notice did not specify the reasons behind the revocation, but sources close to the administration suggest that the decision is aimed at revitalizing Kemsa’s leadership and restoring public trust in the organization.
Samuel Tunai, the former Governor of Narok County, has been appointed to replace Nyakera. Known for his experience in public service and governance, Tunai is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Kemsa.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move by President Ruto to bring in a leader with a proven track record of managing public resources and driving reforms.
Tunai will begin his three-year term as Kemsa chairperson on August 23, 2024.
In his new role, Tunai is expected to oversee the agency’s efforts to streamline its operations, enhance accountability, and ensure the efficient delivery of medical supplies across the country.
Given the critical role Kemsa plays in Kenya’s healthcare system, Tunai’s leadership will be crucial in addressing past challenges and driving positive change.
In a statement released shortly after his appointment, Tunai expressed his commitment to improving Kemsa’s performance and reaffirmed his dedication to serving the public interest.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me by President Ruto and look forward to working with the Kemsa team to enhance our healthcare supply chain and ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality medical supplies,” Tunai said.
The announcement of Tunai’s appointment has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders.
Some have welcomed the change, expressing optimism that Tunai’s leadership could bring much-needed reforms to Kemsa.
Health sector experts and civil society organizations have particularly highlighted the need for strong leadership to address the systemic issues that have plagued the agency in recent years.
“We welcome the appointment of Samuel Tunai as Kemsa’s new chairperson and hope that his leadership will mark the beginning of a new era for the organization,” said a spokesperson from Transparency International Kenya.
“Kemsa plays a vital role in ensuring the health of millions of Kenyans, and we need leaders who are committed to transparency, efficiency, and accountability.”
However, others have raised concerns about the frequent changes in leadership at Kemsa, arguing that stability and continuity are essential for the agency to achieve its objectives.
“While we support efforts to improve Kemsa’s performance, we are concerned about the constant leadership changes,” said a representative of the Kenya Medical Association.
“We urge the new chairperson to build on existing initiatives and work closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.”
Kemsa has faced significant challenges over the past few years, including allegations of corruption, inefficiencies in procurement processes, and a lack of accountability.
The organization’s ability to effectively deliver medical supplies to public health facilities has been a subject of public debate, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when timely access to medical resources was crucial.
Under Tunai’s leadership, Kemsa is expected to undergo further reforms aimed at strengthening its governance structures, enhancing its transparency, and improving its service delivery.
Key priorities for the new chairperson will likely include overhauling the procurement process, implementing robust oversight mechanisms, and fostering a culture of integrity within the organization.
The government has also indicated that it will support Kemsa’s efforts to improve its operations by providing the necessary resources and policy guidance. President Ruto has emphasized the need for Kemsa to operate with the highest standards of professionalism and to be accountable to the public.
Looking Ahead
As Samuel Tunai takes over the reins at Kemsa, all eyes will be on how he navigates the complex challenges facing the organization.
His appointment marks a new chapter for Kemsa, with the potential to drive meaningful change and restore confidence in Kenya’s healthcare supply chain.
The leadership change is part of President Ruto’s broader agenda to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of key government institutions, ensuring that they serve the interests of all Kenyans.
With Tunai at the helm, Kemsa has an opportunity to rebuild its reputation, strengthen its operations, and play a crucial role in supporting Kenya’s healthcare system for years to come.
