Turkana flags off Sh120 million medical supplies to end drug shortages

Deputy Governor Dr John Erus flags off the consignment of medical supplies in Lodwar town on September 1, 2025

Turkana residents have a reason to smile after the county government flagged off medical supplies worth Sh120 million to 234 health facilities across the vast county.

Deputy Governor Dr John Erus, who presided over the exercise on Monday, said the consignment is expected to sustain essential services for eight months, ensuring patients in the 11 subcounties find much-needed drugs in local hospitals.

“This is not just about distributing commodities. It is about saving lives and restoring dignity. Our people must never walk into a facility and leave without medicine,” Erus emphasised.

The county has allocated Sh355 million to Health Products and Technologies and vaccines in the current financial year. 

This is an increase of Sh55 million from last year, signalling what officials say is a deliberate commitment to better health outcomes.

Chief officer for Medical Services, Dr Gilchrist Lokoel, said the supplies were based on actual demand from health facilities and would reach even the most remote areas such as Namukuse, Longech and Elelea through Kemsa’s last-mile delivery model.

Turkana’s health sector recently earned recognition, with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority naming it the best county in health commodity management in the Rift Valley for FY 2024/2025.

“This award is proof that our systems are working. But we must remain vigilant—every pill and vial procured at great cost must reach the patient it is meant for. No pilferage, no wastage,” Dr Lokoel said.

Health officials added that consistent drug supplies are helping rebuild public confidence in county hospitals, gradually improving health-seeking behaviour in a region where distances and shortages have long been a barrier to care.