The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has kicked off a nationwide stocktaking exercise in a bid to restore accountability and rebuild public confidence following the shocking revelation that medical supplies worth Sh98 billion expired in its warehouses.

The disposal of the expired drugs is expected to cost taxpayers an additional Sh600 million, triggering widespread public anger amid chronic drug shortages in public hospitals.

The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with many Kenyans expressing disbelief and frustration over how such massive losses occurred while hospitals continue to lack essential medicines and services.

“This isn’t just about poor management it’s a betrayal of public trust and a violation of basic human rights,” one Kenyan wrote on social media.

In an attempt to address the crisis, KEMSA on July 4 announced the beginning of its annual national stocktaking exercise, aimed at tightening inventory controls and boosting transparency within the health sector.

“This isn’t merely a box-ticking activity it’s the backbone of a transparent and responsive health system,” said KEMSA CEO Dr Ejersa Waqo.

He explained that the stocktake is critical for generating precise inventory data, which in turn will improve demand forecasting, support smarter procurement, and ensure uninterrupted supply of vital medical products across all 47 counties.

The CEO said the exercise is part of broader reforms meant to strengthen KEMSA’s role as a dependable supplier of quality, affordable and timely medical commodities.

“Trust in the system is built through discipline, accurate data, and consistent delivery,” Waqo said.

“This stocktake marks a key step in that transformation.”

Dr Waqo noted that the exercise would also play a significant role in reducing wastage and preventing future expiries, especially as the country moves to fully implement Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

With a strong focus on data-driven planning, KEMSA’s two-week audit will cover all its warehouses and will involve matching physical stock with digital records in its Warehouse Management System.

Once completed, the findings will be captured in KEMSA’s financial reports, in line with International Public Sector Accounting Standards and compliance frameworks.