This archive report was first published on 29 December 2021.
December 29, 2021 - Nairobi, Kenya
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Board has appointed John Kabuchi as the acting Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
He takes over from Edward Njoroge, who had been acting in the post since last year following the suspension of CEO Jonah Manjari in the wake of the COVID-19 millionaires scandal.
John Kabuchi, the newly appointed acting CEO, was previously the Procurement Manager for donor-funded Programmes at KEMSA and also chaired the COVID-19 vaccines procurement and logistics committee.
According to a memo from the board, Kabuchi's appointment follows a Board meeting held on December 20, and Edward Njoroge's acting tenure ceases with immediate effect as he resumes his previous role as Director, Operations.
The appointment comes as KEMSA undergoes significant changes following numerous procurement scandals that led to the dismissal of hundreds of staff members in early November and the declaration of their positions as redundant.
Reports indicate that officials from the military were brought in to help streamline the agency, sparking mixed reactions from leaders.