KEMSA feted with global award amid ongoing reforms

An assortment of drugs in a KEMSA warehouse awaiting distribution. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), has been recognised by the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) through the Best Quality Leadership Award 2024 award.

This comes as a welcome validation for an institution known for all manner of scandals that paced headlines in the region under the Uhuru Kenyatta regime. The medical institution continued stumbling way into the Kenya Kwanza government after a foul up in the procurement of malaria nets in May 2023.

The graft saw the appointment of the current CEO, Dr. Ben Mulwa, who bagged the African Governance Award 2024. from the EU, for his contribution in transforming the institution.

Dr Jane Masiga, a member of the KEMSA Board of Directors, received the award on behalf of Dr Mulwa and the Authority.

"On behalf of the board, which is spearheading the restructuring of KEMSA, and on behalf of the management, we dedicate this award to the staff of KEMSA, who have walked with us," Dr. Masiga said at the award ceremony held in Belgium.

The ESQR annual recognition programme awarded the KEMSA after evaluating numerous companies, institutions, public administrations and organisations representing different economic sectors in Europe, Asia, America, Africa and Australia.

ESQR reviews improvement systems, techniques and research projects that contribute to quality organizational culture. It acknowledges excellence, disseminates innovation and visionary thinking, shares knowledge with stakeholders, shares conformity assessment and facilitates networking across sectors and regions.

This year's winners were selected based on poll results, consumer surveys, research and market insights.