PRESIDENT RUTO APPOINTS SAMUEL TUNAI TO LEAD KEMSA, REVOKES IRUNGU NYAKERA’S NOMINATION
President William Ruto has appointed Samuel Tunai, the former governor of Narok County, to preside over the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority as chairperson, replacing Irungu Nyakera.
The appointment comes amid efforts by the second Ruto administration to enhance efficiency at the agency responsible for the supply and distribution of medical supplies to health facilities in the public sector.
“Exercise of powers conferred by section 5(1) (a) of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Act, read together with section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I. appoint Samuel Tunai as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority,” the Gazette Notice dated August 22 reads. Tunai’s appointment is set to begin on August 23, 2024, and will last for three years.
“The appointment of Irungu Nyakera is revoked,” declared President Ruto. Nyakera, who has been serving at KEMSA since May 15, 2023, is appointed Chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Center.
The seat is also for a period of three years. The appointment of Adelina Mwau as Chairperson KICC is revoked. Mwau, the former deputy governor of Makueni, was appointed on April 19, 2023, to serve for a period of three years.
The changes at KEMSA come amidst scrutiny by the authority over alleged massive legal violations and financial losses.
According to a report released by the Auditor General’s Office, there were possible massive losses and infractions involving top administrators at KEMSA.
KEMSA hit back, arguing that some of the issues reported were inaccurate and misleading. It said the Sh300 million set for an ERP system is currently being utilized in design and training for the said go-live on December 18, 2024.
KEMSA explained its role as an agent to the Ministry of Health, highlighting mandates in procurement, warehousing, and distribution of health products.
