(Lagos) – KEMSA Wins Global Recognition for Innovative Health Supply Chain Solutions
KEMSA’s technology advancements, including the i-LMIS system and Digital LEAP project, earned global acclaim for improving health commodity distribution and malaria prevention.
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has been honored for its groundbreaking health supply chain solutions at the prestigious Global Health Supply Chain Summit (GHSCS) held in Lagos, Nigeria. Among 31 international entries, KEMSA’s innovative integrated Logistics Management Information System (i-LMIS) and Digital Last Mile Smart Net Distribution Project (LEAP) secured top recognition, placing Kenya on the global map for health technology innovations.
KEMSA’s i-LMIS stood out for revolutionizing health commodity security. It has greatly improved forecasting accuracy and optimized demand planning, ensuring essential medical supplies remain available. Additionally, the LEAP initiative was celebrated for its effective use of a digital platform to distribute life-saving Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), a critical malaria prevention tool.
Dr. Waqo Ejersa, KEMSA’s CEO, hailed the achievements as a testament to the organization’s dedication to leveraging technology for better health outcomes. “Our investment in systems like i-LMIS ensures transparency, accountability, and efficiency across the supply chain, enhancing access to vital health commodities,” Dr. Ejersa stated.
Dr. Ejersa also highlighted i-LMIS’s role in tracking government and donor funding commitments while issuing alerts to prevent stockouts. These functionalities have become instrumental in managing malaria prevention tools and family planning products, offering a scalable model for other nations.
Through the LEAP initiative, KEMSA successfully distributed 15.3 million treated mosquito nets to over 5 million households across 22 counties in malaria-endemic regions. By deploying intelligent, automated systems, the project ensured timely and efficient delivery, safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Dr. Ejersa expressed gratitude to KEMSA’s global partners, including UNFPA, USAID, the Global Fund, UNICEF, and others, for supporting their efforts. “This recognition belongs to everyone who has worked tirelessly on these projects. Our digital innovations are not just technological milestones; they represent a commitment to improving health and well-being for households across Kenya,” he said.
The i-LMIS system, now operational across Kenya’s 47 counties, plays a vital role in managing health programs for HIV, TB, malaria, non-communicable diseases, oncology, nutrition, and ophthalmology. Developed by KEMSA ICT experts, including Dennis Ndwiga and Martin Mwenda, the system comprises three components:
| Component | Key Function |
|---|---|
| Commodity Early Warning and Alert System (CEWAS) | Predictive analytics tool to prevent wastage and stockouts through early warning indicators and alerts. |
| Optimized Allocation System | Ensures efficient distribution of health commodities based on actual consumption patterns. |
| Electronic Proof of Delivery (e-POD) | Tracks deliveries and provides real-time visibility of stock from facilities to KEMSA’s supply pipeline. |
CEWAS, in particular, uses dashboards and alerts to reduce wastage, expiries, and pilferage, ensuring real-time stock monitoring and accurate forecasting. These tools enhance transparency, enabling stakeholders to track commodities and funding flows effectively.
Originally piloted with UNFPA’s support for family planning programs, i-LMIS has expanded to cover diverse health areas, improving Kenya’s health commodity security.