Double victory for Kemsa as it tops in public sector safety standards

KEMSA's OSH officer Caroline Nyamai gestures after receiving the award during the ceremony/HANDOUT 

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) has been nationally recognised for its outstanding commitment to occupational safety and health (OSH), securing two top honors in a competitive evaluation of public institutions.

In an assessment involving 56 public sector organisations across the country, KEMSA’s Embakasi national supply chain centre emerged as the overall winner in the inaugural public sector OSH challenge-Occupational Safety and Health Practices and Standards category. 

The two trophies scooped by Kemsa./HANDOUT

The certificate./HANDOUT

Complementing this achievement, the Kisumu Regional Distribution Centre secured third place, underscoring Kemsa’s dedication to maintaining safe and healthy workplaces.

The accolades were awarded following an unannounced inspection conducted in 2025 by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) under the Ministry of Labour.

Kemsa’s OSH officer, Caroline Nyamai, accepted the awards on behalf of the Authority at an official ceremony held in Nanyuki and presided over by Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu. 

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu (centre) awards the trophy KEMSA officials during the ceremony/HANDOUT 

The event coincided with the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Speaking after the ceremony, Kemsa CEO Waqo Ejersa reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to embedding OSH principles across all its facilities.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering a safe, compliant, and productive work environment,” said Ejersa.

He added: “Our robust safety measures not only protect our staff but also ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential health products and technologies nationwide.”

He further emphasised that Kemsa’s focus on health and safety aligns with legal and regulatory standards while bolstering operational efficiency, service delivery, and staff morale.

“Safety is not just a requirement—it is a strategic pillar that underpins sustainable, efficient, and resilient healthcare delivery across the country,” Ejersa added.

On his part, Irungu commended Kemsa and other awardees for setting benchmarks in workplace safety.

The recognition of Kemsa comes at a time it continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening its supply chain systems and improving service delivery to healthcare facilities.

The awards are expected to inspire similar efforts across the public sector, encouraging organisations to prioritise the safety and health of their employees while delivering critical services.

The public sector OSH challenge is an initiative by DOSHS to encourage public institutions to institutionalise and sustain best practices in occupational safety and health.

This year’s evaluation placed emphasis on compliance, innovation, employee involvement, and evidence-based practices.

Ejersa noted that Kemsa’s safety success is part of a broader organisational transformation.

“These awards reinforce that operational excellence goes hand in hand with prioritising the wellbeing of our teams,” he remarked.