New board chair Irungu Nyakera promises to clean up mess at Kemsa

Newly appointed KEMSA board chairperson Irungu Nyakera. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Newly appointed Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) board Chairperson Irungu Nyakera now says he will clean up the mess at the agency.

Nyakera was last evening appointed as the new board chairperson, following the suspension of the entire Kemsa board led by Daniel Rono, Chief Executive Officer Terry Ramadhani, and eight other officers over the Sh3.7 billion mosquito nets tender.

On Tuesday, May 16, Nyakera expressed his gratitude to President William Ruto following the appointment, promising to streamline things at Kemsa.

"Today I wake up to a new role as the Chairperson of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority. The agency has been riddled with graft for the last few years and I thank the President for believing in me to deliver KEMSA from the mess. We will clean the mess, that I can assure Kenyans. It certainly won't be easy, so help me God," he tweeted.

At the board's helm, Nyakera will be assisted by Hezbon Omollo, Bernard Bett, Dr Jane Masiga, and Ms Jane Mbatia who were appointed members.

Previously, the politician served as Principal Secretary in the State Department of Transport.

His appointment follows the revocation of Daniel Rono, who had held the role since March 2023.

Nyakera will serve for a period of three years effective May 15, 2023.