KEMSA Upgrades Mombasa Hospital Medicine Store to Protect Drug Quality
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has handed over a renovated medicine storage facility at Port Reitz Sub-County Hospital in Mombasa, in an initiative aimed at protecting essential drugs from damage and improving the management of medical supplies.
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has handed over a renovated medicine storage facility at Port Reitz Sub-County Hospital in Mombasa, in an initiative aimed at protecting essential drugs from damage and improving the management of medical supplies.
The upgraded facility is expected to benefit more than 300,000 residents from Changamwe, Jomvu and neighbouring areas who depend on the hospital and surrounding healthcare facilities for medical services.
The handover took place on October 26, 2026, during an event presided over by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Waqo Ejersa.
The renovation was undertaken through KEMSA’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme for the 2025/2026 financial year after an assessment identified shortcomings in the hospital’s storage infrastructure.
The assessment, conducted in April 2025, established that the existing facility had inadequate storage space and deteriorating infrastructure that could affect the proper preservation of medicines.
The renovation included installing a ceiling and air-conditioning system to help regulate temperatures within the store. Other improvements involved repairing floors, reinforcing damaged walls, installing additional windows fitted with security grills and replacing doors to improve security and ventilation.
The project also involved repairing storage racks, constructing office and washroom facilities, installing rainwater gutters and improving the surrounding pavement to minimise water damage and pest intrusion.
Speaking during the handover, Ejersa said maintaining the quality of medicines requires more than ensuring their procurement and delivery to hospitals.
He explained that exposure to unsuitable temperatures, moisture, pests and poor security could compromise the quality of medical supplies before they are administered to patients.
The KEMSA chief executive noted that the improved infrastructure would help strengthen inventory management, minimise avoidable medicine losses and create better conditions for handling essential medical commodities.
He further emphasised the importance of regular temperature monitoring, proper stock records and routine maintenance to ensure medicines remain safe for use.
Governor Nassir welcomed the intervention, describing the partnership between the national government agency and the county administration as an important step towards improving healthcare delivery.
He said Mombasa County would continue working with KEMSA to ensure public hospitals have access to quality and affordable medicines and other essential medical supplies.
The governor also stressed the need for accountability in the management of medical commodities to prevent wastage and ensure resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
The Port Reitz renovation is part of KEMSA’s wider programme to support healthcare infrastructure in different counties.
The authority has previously facilitated improvements to medicine storage facilities at Mtwapa Sub-County Hospital in Kilifi County and Msambweni County Referral Hospital in Kwale County.
Through these interventions, KEMSA says it intends to strengthen the handling and distribution of medical supplies while supporting county governments in improving healthcare services.
