County Hospitals Struggle with Shortages of Essential Medicines

County-run hospitals in various parts of Kenya are facing persistent shortages of vital medications, raising serious concerns about the capacity of public health facilities to serve their communities. In Nairobi, hospital administrators have revealed that the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) halted deliveries after Nairobi County accrued a debt of more than KSh 108 million, affecting key public hospitals like Mama Lucy, Pumwani, and Mbagathi. Meanwhile, in Taita Taveta, the county assembly openly admitted that basic drugs — including antibiotics like amoxicillin, painkillers for children, and medications for non-communicable diseases — are in short supply.
The drug deficits stem from multiple systemic challenges. In some counties, procurement from KEMSA is only partially fulfilled — for instance, Taita Taveta received just over half of its ordered medicines because KEMSA’s stocks were low In Lamu County, health officials say they need to more than double their annual budget for pharmaceuticals — from KSh 126 million to KSh 300 million — to ensure county health institutions remain stocked Further north, Marsabit County has reportedly stopped receiving supplies from KEMSA after accruing a KSh 73 million debt, seriously undermining the operations of 118 public health facilities
The gaps in drug availability are drawing sharp reactions from both local governments and residents. County leaders argue that the funding for medicine procurement is inconsistent and sometimes mismanaged, calling for greater transparency and more predictable supply chains. Patients, meanwhile, have been forced in some cases to purchase essential medications from private pharmacies at much higher costs simply because their local public hospitals cannot supply what is needed.
Looking forward, several counties are taking action. Turkana County recently flagged off KSh 120 million worth of medical supplies to refill county health facilities, with officials promising that the report-modelled delivery will reach even the most remote hospitals. In Meru, the county government has pledged KSh 300 million in its budget for pharmaceutical procurement, in part by partnering with Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) to boost stock reliability. However, experts warn that unless systemic reforms are made — including better cash flow management, stronger partnerships with suppliers, and tighter oversight — drug shortages may continue to cripple public health facilities across Kenya.