By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor Nairobi, Kenya – September 29, 2026 — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has marked 40 years of the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), highlighting its contribution to the availability, quality assurance, testing and distribution of essential health products and technologies in Kenya.
Speaking during the 40th anniversary celebrations, CS Duale said Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can only become meaningful when patients receive safe, effective, affordable and quality-assured medicines at the point of care.
MEDS has maintained WHO prequalification for its quality-control laboratory since March 2009, while its quality systems also include ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Duale emphasised that strong quality-assurance systems remain critical as Kenya works to strengthen its health supply chains and expand access to essential health products.
SHA CLAIMS AND FAITH-BASED FACILITIES
The CS also highlighted the growing contribution of faith-based health facilities under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to Duale, 876 facilities have active SHA contracts, with 530 currently transacting. The facilities have submitted claims valued at KSh41.1 billion, of which KSh29.8 billion has been paid.
He stressed the need to improve the timeliness and predictability of claims settlement, noting that reliable payments are important for sustaining healthcare services and ensuring facilities can replenish essential medical supplies.
MEDS ENTERS NEW COMMERCIAL CHAPTER
The anniversary celebrations culminated in the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited (MDCL), a new commercial company established to expand MEDS’ operations into the private healthcare market and other healthcare segments.
The new venture opens another chapter for the organisation as it seeks to extend its supply-chain capabilities beyond its traditional market. MDCL is scheduled to begin operations on November 1, 2026, according to reporting on the launch.
Duale further called for continued investment in resilient health supply chains, skilled health workers, independent quality-testing capacity and health-system digitisation, as Kenya works towards WHO Maturity Level 3.
MEDS says its quality-assurance work includes supplier prequalification, commodity inspection and pharmacovigilance, supported by its WHO-prequalified quality-control laboratory and microbiology laboratory.
The CS was joined at the celebrations by PS Mary Muthoni, CEOs Dr Waqo Ejersa of KEMSA and Dr Ahmed Mohamed of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, MEDS Chairperson Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso, and MEDS CEO Dr Wycliffe Nandama.
