County governments are yet to pay Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Ksh2.4 billion for medicine supplied this year.
While appearing before the Senate ad hoc committee on medical equipment services, KEMSA CEO Dr. Jonah Manjari said Counties have been getting the medicines on credit.
He also said that counties have continued to lie to the public that they have not received any medicine from KEMSA the authority has been issuing the medication on credit following the memorandum of understanding that was signed with counties to issue the medicine and be paid after.
Only Isiolo, Machakos and Turkana counties have been given a clean bill of health by KEMSA.
Nairobi county owes Sh284 million, Kilifi Sh138 million, Kitui and Narok have a debt of Sh104 million, while Trans Nzoia, Mandera, Kiambu and Kajiado debts stand at Sh92 million, Sh91 million, Sh88 million and Sh84 million respectively.
Others are Kisii, Bungoma, Kisumu, Taita Taveta, Busia, Kirinyaga and Uasin Gishu with Sh85 million, Sh81 million, Sh78 million, Sh75 million, Sh66 million, Sh62 million and Sh61 million debts respectively.
Debts owed to Kemsa for Homa Bay, Kakamega, Vihiga, Nandi, Siaya and Bomet stand at Sh60 million, Sh56.7 million, Sh56.6 million, Sh53 million and Sh47 million.
Some have small amounts such as Wajir with just Sh37,800, Kericho with Sh26, 138 and just Sh300 by Laikipia county.
Kemsa boss Jonah Manjari yesterday said counties lack feasibility of their stock hence can’t tell when the stocks are running out so as to make timely orders.
“There is a need for regular consultations between the Health ministry, Kemsa and counties to ensure capacity development on commodities and data management,” Manjari said.
